pillow-sham
Definition
Noun: A "pillow-sham" is a decorative covering for a pillow, typically used to protect the pillow or to enhance the appearance of a bed, often removed at night for sleeping.
Usage Examples
- (A decorative covering for a pillow.)
- (A removable, ornate cover for a pillow.)
- (A cover used for decoration, not for sleeping.)
Advanced Usage
"Pillow-sham" is often used in the context of bedding ensembles, where it is paired with a duvet cover or quilt.
- The hotel room had a luxurious pillow-sham on each pillow. (A decorative cover used in high-end bedding.)
"Pillow-sham" can be distinguished from a "pillowcase" by its decorative purpose and often a different closure (e.g., envelope closure) or trim.
- The pillow-sham had a ruffled edge, unlike the plain pillowcase. (A decorative cover with ornamental features.)
Variants and Related Words
- Pillow (n): a soft cushion used to support the head while sleeping.
- He rested his head on the soft pillow. (A cushion for sleeping.)
- Sham (n): a decorative cover for a pillow, often used in bedding sets.
- The sham matched the bed skirt perfectly. (A decorative pillow cover.)
- Pillowcase (n): a removable cover for a pillow, typically used for sleeping.
- She changed the pillowcase after washing it. (A functional cover for a pillow.)
Synonyms
- Decorative pillow cover: a cover for a pillow that is primarily ornamental.
- Bed sham: a specific term for a decorative pillow cover used in bed linens.
Related Idioms
- "To sham" (verb): to pretend or fake something, though this is unrelated to the noun "pillow-sham."
- He shammed illness to avoid the meeting. (He pretended to be sick.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated with "pillow-sham," as it is a compound noun.