handkerchief

noun

hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf 

-(ˌ)chif,

-ˌchēf

plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves ˈhaŋ-kər-chəfs 

-(ˌ)chifs,

-ˌchēvz,

-ˌchēfs,

-chəvz,

-(ˌ)chivz

1

: a small usually square piece of cloth used for usually personal purposes (such as blowing the nose) or as a clothing accessory

2

: kerchief sense 1

Synonyms

• babushka
• bandanna
• bandana
• do-rag
• kerchief
• madras
• mantilla

Examples of handkerchief in a Sentence

tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic

usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available

Recent Examples on the Web

Wearing a handkerchief around his neck, Wren displays his cropped curls, smiling and showing his little teeth. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

In addition to acting and directing, Hanks also had a line of stylish handkerchiefs, but the business shut down in December 2022. —John Russell, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024

The highlight is a dancing pocket handkerchief who is a better dancer than Justin Timberlake. —April Wallace, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024

When Dench’s character, a vivacious lady novelist, urges her to breathe deeply the Tuscan air, Smith gives a feeble attempt and immediately applies a handkerchief to her face in disgust. —Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

handkerchief

noun

hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf 

-(ˌ)chif,

-ˌchēf

plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves -chəfs 

-(ˌ)chifs,

-ˌchēvz,

-ˌchēfs,

-ˌchəvz,

-ˌchivz

1

: a small piece of cloth used for wiping the face, nose, or eyes

2

: kerchief sense 1