kerchief

noun

ker·​chief ˈkər-chəf 

-ˌchēf

plural kerchiefs ˈkər-chəfs 

-ˌchēfs

also kerchieves ˈkər-ˌchēvz 

1

: a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck

2

: handkerchief sense 1

kerchiefed

ˈkər-chəft 

-ˌchēft

adjective

Synonyms of kerchief

• handkerchief

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

From twisting a bright pink kerchief into a one-shoulder top to slinging another across her hips to create a slit up-to-there skirt, Li found pleasure in the trial-and-error process. —Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 11 June 2026

There’s a deep revival of coastal Mediterranean style happening, with bandanas and kerchiefs on the head gaining popularity again. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026

Low, square necklines reigned supreme, albeit often worn with a neckerchief or kerchief to maintain modesty. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 14 Feb. 2026

Two mid-century dykes in kerchiefs, driving freely through the city…ah, to be part of it all. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for kerchief

• neckerchief

Kids Definition

kerchief

noun

ker·​chief ˈkər-chəf 

-ˌchēf

plural kerchiefs -chəfs 

-ˌchēfs

also kerchieves -ˌchēvz 

1

: a square of cloth worn as a head covering or as a scarf

2

: handkerchief sense 1