a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes
usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available
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Recent Examples of handkerchiefYour man scent will usually keep small predator animals away; to be doubly sure, tie some personal article like a handkerchief to the meat.—Maurice H. Decker, Outdoor Life, 17 Sep. 2025 For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America.—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025 The older Burnett would put on a top hat, a black suit, a red tie and a red handkerchief.—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 The heat was now sweltering, my handkerchief sodden with use.—Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
Standalone cotton twill, madras, linen, rayon and poplin are light, airy and breathable—and therefore should be avoided at all costs.
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Barry Samaha,
Robb Report,
5 Jan. 2023
Robbie Kendall was waiting on the steps of the tomb in madras shorts and a light blue polo shirt, his blond hair worn just long enough to suggest surfer without actually looking disreputable.
Geirþrúður has wrapped a large towel around herself but her shoulders are still bare and her December-dark hair is wet and wild and possibly blacker than it’s ever been.
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Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
His property keeps walkie-talkies, bathtubs, safety rails, baby wipes, diaper bins, and soft towels available.
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