pillowcase

pillowcase — noun

1. a soft cloth bag that fits over a pillow and can be taken off for washing.

1.nounB1
Definition

a soft cloth bag that fits over a pillow and can be taken off for washing.

Example

Nina put a clean pillowcase on the guest bed before dinner.

put a pillowcase on + pillow/bed

After the fever passed, Dad changed Leo's pillowcase and opened the window.

change the pillowcase

Common collocations
  • clean pillowcase
  • white pillowcase
  • silk pillowcase
  • change the pillowcase
  • wash the pillowcase
Synonyms
  • cover

    a broad word for an outer layer, not specific to pillows

  • case

    a general word for a fitted outer layer and usually needs context

Grammar Patterns

a pillowcase

change the pillowcase

put a pillowcase on + pillow

Usage Note

Usually names only the removable cloth cover, not the pillow inside. Common verbs are change, wash, and put on.

Common Mistakes

I need a new pillow cover for tonight.
I need a new pillowcase for tonight.
'pillowcase' is the usual everyday word for the washable cover on a pillow.
Please wash the pillow before the guests arrive.
Please wash the pillowcase before the guests arrive.
people normally wash the outer cover, not the whole pillow.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Pillowcase is the normal everyday word for the cloth cover you sleep on. Cover is much broader and can mean the outer layer of almost anything, so it often needs context: a book cover, a sofa cover, or a pillow cover. Pillow protector is not quite the same as a pillowcase. It is usually an extra layer under the pillowcase, used to keep sweat, dust, or water away from the pillow. Duvet cover is also different because it goes around a duvet or comforter, not a pillow, and is much larger. In most home situations, say 'I changed the pillowcase,' not 'I changed the pillow cover.'

pillowcase ↗cover ↗pillow protectorduvet cover

Common collocations

Nouns

  • clean pillowcase
  • white pillowcase
  • cotton pillowcase
  • silk pillowcase

Phrases

  • change the pillowcase
  • wash the pillowcase
  • put a pillowcase on the pillow

Prepositions

  • pillowcase on + pillow/bed

Etymology

English

Pillowcase is a straightforward English compound built from pillow and case. In this word, case means a covering that fits around something, so pillowcase simply means a cover made to go over a pillow.