calico

noun

cal·​i·​co ˈka-li-ˌkō How to pronounce calico (audio)
plural calicoes or calicos
Synonyms of caliconext
1
a
: cotton cloth imported from India
b
British : a plain white cotton fabric that is heavier than muslin
c
: any of various cheap cotton fabrics with figured patterns
2
: a blotched or spotted animal
especially : one that is predominantly white with red and black patches
calico adjective

Examples of calico in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The calico cat even has her own dedicated webpage on The Gardens at Unity Village website. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 Other colors include half-orange half-black, cotton candy, or even calico patterns. — Sara Hashemi, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 The mix of ginger, calico, tuxedo and tortoiseshell kittens were found by college students and taken to a shelter in Philadelphia on June 19. — Usa Today, USA Today, 10 July 2026 The expert explains that feed and seed companies sold their seeds in colorful calico sacks which were then washed and turned into clothing and quilts. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for calico

Word History

Etymology

Calicut, India

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of calico was in 1578

Phrases Containing calico

Rhymes for calico

See All Rhymes for calico

Browse Nearby Words

calicle
calico
calico ash
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calico. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

calico

noun
cal·​i·​co ˈkal-i-ˌkō How to pronounce calico (audio)
plural calicoes or calicos
1
: cotton cloth especially with a colored pattern printed on one side
2
: a blotched or spotted animal
a calico cat
calico adjective
Etymology

named for Calicut, a city in India, which exported such cloth

More from Merriam-Webster on calico

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for calico

Nglish: Translation of calico for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calico

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