DictionarycalicoCotton cloth
noun

calico

A plain cotton cloth, often printed.

The dress was made from printed calico.

Etymology

Calicut was the trading port in India associated with the cloth’s export. Its place-name became the fabric name, preserving the connection between cotton goods and their commercial source.

More examples

  • She chose plain calico for the practice garment.
  • A bolt of cotton calico lay on the table.
  • The quilt combined several calicoes.

Forms

calico · calicos · calicoes

Similar words

muslin
Muslin is another plain cotton fabric, often lighter or finer than calico.
chintz
Chintz is a printed cotton fabric with a glazed surface; calico need not be glazed.