calico

noun

cal·​i·​co ˈka-li-ˌkō 

plural calicoes or calicos

1

a

: cotton cloth imported from India

b

British : a plain white cotton fabric that is heavier than muslin

c

: any of various cheap cotton fabrics with figured patterns

2

: a blotched or spotted animal

especially : one that is predominantly white with red and black patches

calico adjective

Examples of calico in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The expert explains that feed and seed companies sold their seeds in colorful calico sacks which were then washed and turned into clothing and quilts. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Just like calico cats, their coloration depends on X-chromosome inactivation. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Scabies, ringworm, rashes from numerous unknown sources and unwashed skin was wrapped in clothing of stiff linen, smelly woolens or coarse calico. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

The calico kitten was rescued by members of the police department and Chris Knapp from Stever's Garage, an auto service company. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Calicut, India

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing calico

• calico bass
• calico bush

Rhymes for calico

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calypso
• cameo
• ceo

Kids Definition

calico

noun

cal·​i·​co ˈkal-i-ˌkō 

plural calicoes or calicos

1

: cotton cloth especially with a colored pattern printed on one side

2

: a blotched or spotted animal

a calico cat

calico adjective

Etymology

named for Calicut, a city in India, which exported such cloth