kerchief

noun

ker·​chief ˈkər-chəf How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēf
plural kerchiefs ˈkər-chəfs How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēfs
also kerchieves ˈkər-ˌchēvz How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
1
: a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck
2
kerchiefed
ˈkər-chəft How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēft
adjective

Examples of kerchief in a Sentence

tied the kerchief around her head to keep her hair out of her face dabbed the sweat on his brow with a kerchief
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the Dogue cover, the two canines pose with their tongues out while riding a white miniature Mercedes-Benz, modeling kerchiefs specially ordered for the occasion by Carpenter’s mom. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 19 Aug. 2025 Just ask Emma Watson or Sofia Richie Grainge—who recently doubled down on gingham by pairing an oversized gingham shirt with a matching hair kerchief. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 July 2025 Bandanas and kerchiefs worn tightly around the neck emerged as the must-have item. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 June 2025 Accessories include a Fedora hat, ribbon belts with a V-logo buckles, kerchiefs and charm necklaces. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for kerchief

Word History

Etymology

Middle English courchef, from Anglo-French coverchef, cuerchief, from coverir to cover + chef head — more at chief

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kerchief was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kerchief. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

kerchief

noun
ker·​chief ˈkər-chəf How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēf
plural kerchiefs -chəfs How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēfs
also kerchieves -ˌchēvz How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
1
: a square of cloth worn as a head covering or as a scarf
2

More from Merriam-Webster on kerchief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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