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

These, made with cooling percale cotton, come in over 30 different colors and prints, which include blue-and-white floral vine design, garden-green toile, and the primmest of pink rosebuds. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 June 2025

Grab the comfy, pretty cotton percale sheets for just $53, and check out some more of the best sheets on Amazon, below. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025

For the Maximalist 3/5 Marimekko Cotton Percale Bedding Set $90 $76 Amazon Made for maximalists, these cotton percale sheets showcase Marimekko’s iconic floral print in neutral hues. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025

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

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