handkerchief

hand·ker·chief

noun \ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf, -(ˌ)chif, -ˌchēf\

plural hand·ker·chiefs also hand·ker·chieves\-chəfs, -(ˌ)chifs, -ˌchēvz, -ˌchēfs, -chəvz, -(ˌ)chivz\

Definition of HANDKERCHIEF

1

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

2

: kerchief 1

Examples of HANDKERCHIEF

1. <tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic>
2. <usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available>

First Known Use of HANDKERCHIEF

1530

Related to HANDKERCHIEF

Synonyms: babushka, do-rag, bandanna, kerchief, madras, mantilla

Related Words: shawl; hankie (or hanky)

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Rhymes with HANDKERCHIEF

bas-relief, cloverleaf, come to grief, disbelief, high relief, leatherleaf, misbelief, neckerchief, overleaf, Tenerife, unbelief, waterleaf