pillowcase
UK[ˈpɪləʊkeɪs]US[ˈpɪloʊkeɪs]
n
a removable cloth cover for a pillow.
Morpheme Breakdown
pillow
case
pillow
cushion
case
box, receptacle
Etymology
the word 'pillowcase' is a transparent compound formed from two english words of distinct origins. 'pillow' has germanic roots, tracing back to old english words for a cushion used to support the head. 'case' entered english from latin via french, carrying its core meaning of a container or covering. the compound logically combines these elements to denote the specific 'covering' or 'container' for a 'pillow', illustrating a straightforward functional naming pattern in english where an object is described by its purpose and form.
Analysis
Structure: pillow + case
- pillow: from old english pyle, pylu, meaning 'cushion', of west germanic origin.
- case: from latin capsa, meaning 'box, receptacle', via old french casse.
Examples
she stripped the bed and put the dirty pillowcase in the laundry basket.
the hotel provides fresh pillowcases and sheets daily.
he embroidered her initials on the corner of the pillowcase.