pillow sham

American  

noun

1. an ornamental cover laid over a bed pillow.

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pillow sham British  

noun

1. a decorative cover for a bed pillow

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Etymology

Origin of pillow sham

First recorded in 1870–75

Compare meaning

How does pillow-sham compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• pillow sham vs. pillowcase

Example Sentences

A hidden zipper is then attached to the bottom with a back flap, allowing effortless pillow sham change-up seasonally.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2023

It gave me the creeps, helping Grandpa slip his pillow sham of roses under Granny’s head.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Instead, I worked on embroidering a pillow sham as I waited for the cool of the evening.

From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang

R was a rollicking Ram, Attired in an old pillow sham.

From The Jingle Book by Herford, Oliver

That tent of ours has stuck out on the landscape like a horse fly on a pillow sham.

From Hepsey Burke by Westcott, Frank N. (Frank Noyes)