percale

noun

per·​cale (ˌ)pər-ˈkāl 

ˈpər-ˌkāl;

(ˌ)pər-ˈkal 

: a fine closely woven cotton cloth variously finished for clothing, sheeting, and industrial uses

Examples of percale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sateen is often cotton like percale, but other fabrics like bamboo will use it too. —Nena Farrell, Wired News, 5 Mar. 2026

Vintage florals abound in the ditsy pattern of the Blue Mini Meadow cotton percale duvet cover. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026

According to Stein, cotton sheets, like a percale, can handle higher temperatures, which helps kill germs and dust mites. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026

Scroll on for our favorite breathable bedding finds for every sleeper, including French linen, cotton percale, and refreshing eucalyptus Tencel options. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Persian pargāla

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for percale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

percale

noun

per·​cale (ˌ)pər-ˈkā(ə)l  ˈpər-ˌkā(ə)l 

(ˌ)pər-ˈkal

: a fine closely woven cotton cloth used especially to make sheets and pillowcases