handkerchief

noun

hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(ˌ)chif,
-ˌchēf
plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves ˈhaŋ-kər-chəfs How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(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

Example Sentences

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 Ravished features the author’s name in large dark pink font, a light pink background with a lacey handkerchief, and the title of the book in swirling, cursive font. Hazlitt, 8 Feb. 2023 Let each person in turn be blindfolded and try to pin a heart of the corresponding size over the heart on the handkerchief. San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2023 Tucked inside the light pink clutch were notes, a handkerchief, a nail file, pencils, photographs, a miniature diary and a calendar dated to April 1959. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Dec. 2022 Claire wore a sleeveless trumpet gown with lace detailing, while George sported a black tuxedo with a red handkerchief. Charlotte Walsh, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2023 Fasten a large white handkerchief on the wall or door. San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2023 Using a pair of scissors, one of the doctors cut the sleeve off his jacket and tried to stanch the wound with a clean handkerchief. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2023 Last March, my mom mailed me two homemade masks: one that’s a bit too thin to wear on its own and another that’s sewn together from a white handkerchief edged with scalloped lace. Diana Budds, Curbed, 15 Apr. 2021 Dressed smartly as usual, in a double-breasted gray suit, with a white handkerchief and a dark polka-dot bow tie, Truman was always in a hurry. CBS News, 5 June 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'handkerchief.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handkerchief was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near handkerchief

Cite this Entry

“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handkerchief. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

handkerchief

noun
hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(ˌ)chif,
-ˌchēf
plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves -chəfs How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(ˌ)chifs,
-ˌchēvz,
-ˌchēfs,
-ˌchəvz,
-ˌchivz
1
: a small piece of cloth used for wiping the face, nose, or eyes
2

More from Merriam-Webster on handkerchief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words

  • high school student holding a pencil leaning over a sat test
  • Despite the cacophony, the student tried to study.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY