World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesCalico
/ˈkæl.ɪ.koʊ/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A plain-woven cotton cloth printed with a figured pattern, typically brightly colored.
"She sewed a lightweight summer dress out of a cheerful blue and yellow calico." - 2
A domestic cat having fur with patches of white, black, and orange or yellow.
"Their new pet was a spirited calico that loved to sleep in the afternoon sun."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The word derives from the city of Calicut (Kozhikode) in southwestern India, which was famous for its cotton textile industry during the medieval era. European traders adopted the name in the late 16th century to describe the distinctive printed cotton fabrics imported from the region.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Calico"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Calico" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
indienne
Transliteration: /ɛ̃.djɛn/
"Elle porte une robe en indienne pour la fête du village."
Kaliko
Transliteration: /kaˈliːko/
"Die dreifarbige Katze wurde als Glücksbringer angesehen."
indiana
Transliteration: /inˈdja.na/
"Il tessuto di cotone stampato era morbido e leggero."
indianas
Transliteration: /inˈdje.nas/
"Compró varias telas de indianas para hacer cortinas."
chita
Transliteration: /ˈʃi.tɐ/
"A gata calico dormia placidamente no sofá."
छीट
Transliteration: chheet
"उसने छीट के कपड़े से एक सुंदर कुर्ता बनाया।"
印花布
Transliteration: yìn huā bù
"这件衣服是用彩色印花布做的。"
캘리코
Transliteration: kael-i-ko
"삼색털 고양이는 종종 캘리코라고 불립니다."
キャラコ
Transliteration: kyarako
"三毛猫は英語でキャリコ・キャットと呼ばれます。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA barracks or building intended for the accommodation of soldiers, usually located within a fortified place.
A secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Calico"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.