Turkey Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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Turkey
[ˈtɜːr.ki ]
Definitions
country
A country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes.
Synonyms
Republic of Turkey, Turkiye.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Turkey |
This is the most commonly used name for the country in casual conversation and in media. It's suitable for informal contexts and general use.
|
| Republic of Turkey |
This is a more formal name for the country, often used in official documents, legal contexts, or formal speeches. It emphasizes the country's governmental structure.
|
| Turkiye |
Preferred in contexts related to Turkish national pride or in international settings where the country wishes to be referred to by its local name. This name is increasingly used to reflect the pronunciation in the native language.
|
Examples of usage
- Istanbul is one of the most popular cities to visit in Turkey.
- The cuisine in Turkey is known for its delicious kebabs and baklava.
bird
A large bird native to North America, known for its distinctive gobbling sound and beautiful plumage.
Examples of usage
- We saw a wild turkey in the forest.
- The turkey is a symbol of Thanksgiving in the United States.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In the United States, turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast, symbolizing gratitude and togetherness.
- In India, the turkey is less common, which contrasts with its prominence in Western holiday traditions.
Wildlife and Biology
- Wild turkeys can fly short distances at speeds up to 55 miles per hour, surprising many who think of them as clumsy.
- They are native to North America, and Benjamin Franklin famously suggested the turkey as a national symbol of the United States instead of the bald eagle.
Pop Culture
- Turkeys have appeared in numerous films and cartoons, often depicted humorously, which emphasizes their cultural representation.
- In the animated film 'Free Birds,' two turkeys travel back in time to change the tradition of eating turkey on Thanksgiving.
History
- The domestication of turkeys began in Mexico around 2,000 years ago, where they were bred for their meat and feathers.
- In 1621, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by Pilgrims and Native Americans, where turkey was likely part of the feast.
Origin of 'Turkey'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'turkey' for the bird comes from a misunderstanding involving the country Turkey; early settlers thought the bird originated there.
- In many languages, the name for the bird is derived from the word for 'peacock', illustrating cultural connections across nations.
The word 'turkey' has an interesting history. When the bird was first introduced to Europe, it was mistakenly thought to have come from Turkey. This led to the bird being named 'turkey', even though it is native to North America. The name stuck, and today we still refer to the bird as a turkey. In Turkish, the country of Turkey is called 'Türkiye', which is similar to the English pronunciation of 'Turkey'.