noun
sham
A decorative cover for a pillow.
The blue sham matches the quilt on my bed perfectly.
Etymology
Sham ordinarily means an imitation or outward show. The decorative pillow cover supplies a presentational surface over the functional bedding.
More examples
- She slips a square pillow into its embroidered sham.
- These shams come off easily for washing.
- I arrange two pillows in matching shams against the headboard.
Forms
sham · shams
Similar words
- pillowcase
- Usually protects a sleeping pillow rather than serving as decoration.
- cover
- A general covering, not necessarily decorative or made for pillows.