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

This is juxtaposed against the perfectly crisp signature Brooklinen percale. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2026

Laura Ashley Printed Cotton Percale Sheet Set These sheets from Laura Ashley are crafted from 200-thread-count cotton percale fabric, which feels smooth and gets softer with each wash, according to the brand. —Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

In percale fabrics, cotton fibers are woven in a traditional plain weave, yielding a crisp, light feel. —Mary Grace Granados special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026

It’s made from crisp cotton percale that’s great for year-round use. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 7 Jan. 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