Calico - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Calico is a type of plain-woven cotton fabric, typically unbleached or lightly patterned, often used for making clothing or household items. It can also refer to multicolored animals, like calico cats.
Definition:
A plain-woven cotton fabric, typically printed with a colorful pattern.
Synonyms:
cotton print, chintz, muslin
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
solid-colored fabric, plain fabric
Common Collocations:
calico dress, calico cat, calico print
Derivatives:
calicos (plural noun), calicoed (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "calico" for fabrics or cats with multicolored patches; avoid for solid colors.
Common Phrases:
calico cat, calico pattern, dressed in calico
Etymology:
Derived from "Calicut," an Indian city where the fabric was originally produced and traded.
Examples:
- 1. She wore a bright calico dress to the picnic.
- 2. The calico cat curled up on the porch in the sun.
- 3. They bought yards of calico to make summer curtains.
- 4. Her quilt was made from scraps of old calico fabric.