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

I think about the two postcards stashed inside my pillowcase.

From Literature

Confused humans scratched their heads and could do nothing but watch as a mysterious branch with a piece of red-and-black fabric that looked remarkably like the pillowcases from the inn waved in the air.

From Literature

She asked how Pa was and how Aunt Pretty was and how I was, all the while pulling down sun-dried pillowcases and folding them.

From Literature

The only mark of its presence was a small brown spot where its breath had scorched the pillowcase.

From Literature

I constructed a frame for it from tree branches and wove a mattress cover and pillowcase from the softest grasses I could find.

From Literature

Related Words

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