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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.

calico

/ˈkælɪkoʊ/ /ˈkælɪkəʊ/

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.

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