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

Composed of 100% long-staple cotton, Brooklinen’s classic percale duvet set has a cool and breathable consistency that works year-round. —Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 2025

These are the best sheets to sleep on, from cotton percale to bamboo and linen. —Nena Farrell, Wired News, 20 June 2025

There are options for bamboo, percale, down, and linen. —Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 26 May 2025

The inner blanket is often made of 100% cotton percale weave. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025

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