How Do You Spell PILLOW SHAM?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪlə͡ʊ ʃˈam] (IPA)

The spelling of "pillow sham" might seem a bit confusing due to the pronunciation of the word "sham." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ʃæm/, which makes it sound like it should be spelled "cham" instead. However, the spelling "sham" is derived from the Old English word "sceam," which means "false." So, a "pillow sham" is essentially a decorative cover for a pillow that's meant to look like the real thing, but isn't meant for sleeping on.

PILLOW SHAM Meaning and Definition

1. A pillow sham is a decorative covering for a pillow that is primarily used for aesthetic purposes. It is designed to be placed over a pillow and serves as an outer layer that enhances the overall appearance of the pillow and its surroundings. The term "sham" in this context refers to something that is intended to deceive or give a false impression, as it does not provide any functional benefit in terms of comfort or support.

   Pillow shams are typically made of various materials such as silk, cotton, or polyester, and often feature elaborate designs, patterns, or embroidery. They are commonly used in bedroom decor to add an extra layer of style to the bed ensemble, coordinating with the other elements such as the bedspread, duvet, or comforter. These elaborate coverings are often present in hotels, guest rooms, or upscale bedding sets, where the focus is on creating a visually appealing and luxurious sleeping environment.

   While pillow shams are primarily decorative, they do add a layer of protection to the pillow, preventing it from dust, dirt, or stains. They are usually open-ended on one side or have overlapping flaps, making it easy to insert and remove the pillow. However, their main purpose remains to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the bedding, serving as an artistic element that complements and completes the overall design scheme of the bedroom.

Common Misspellings for PILLOW SHAM

• oillow sham
• lillow sham
• -illow sham
• 0illow sham
• pullow sham
• pjllow sham
• pkllow sham
• pollow sham
• p9llow sham
• p8llow sham
• piklow sham
• piplow sham
• piolow sham
• pilkow sham

Etymology of PILLOW SHAM

The word "sham" has its roots in the Middle English word "scham", which means "false" or "counterfeit". It is derived from the Old English word "sceamm", meaning "falsehood" or "deception". The term "sham" came to be used as a noun in the 17th century with the meaning of a decorative cover or outer layer designed to imitate or deceive.

In the case of a "pillow sham", the word "sham" refers to a decorative cover used to enhance the appearance of a pillow. It is often used as an extra covering that goes over the pillowcase, typically with decorative patterns, ruffles, or other embellishments, to add an aesthetic touch to the bedding. The term "pillow sham" is a combination of "pillow" (a cushion for supporting the head) and "sham" (a decorative cover or guise).

Similar spelling word for PILLOW SHAM

• pillow shawm.