pillowcase

American  

[pil-oh-keys] / ˈpɪl oʊˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a removable sacklike covering, usually of cotton, drawn over a pillow.

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pillowcase British  

/ ˈpɪləʊˌslɪp, ˈpɪləʊˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a removable washable cover of cotton, linen, nylon, etc, for a pillow

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Etymology

Origin of pillowcase

First recorded in 1715–25; pillow + case ¹

Compare meaning

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

• pillow sham vs. pillowcase

Example Sentences

They turned their pillowcases into mailbags full of letters.

From Literature

I guess that’s to protect it, sort of like the way a pillowcase protects a pillow.

From Literature

The kids are “going to have a pillowcase full of candy anyhow.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Under the cover of darkness, an underling used satellite imagery to pick his way through vineyards near the prison before tossing a pillowcase over the walls.

From Los Angeles Times

Especially with the infamous zebra print pillowcase dress and other looks where you seem to tear things up and put different pieces together.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bed linen
• bedspread
• blanket
• comforter
• linen
• pillow
• quilt
• sheet