handkerchief

noun

hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf 

-(ˌ)chif,

-ˌchēf

plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves ˈhaŋ-kər-chəfs 

-(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

: kerchief sense 1

Synonyms

• babushka
• bandanna
• bandana
• do-rag
• kerchief
• madras
• mantilla

Examples of handkerchief in a Sentence

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

In the first act, a handkerchief dangles in front of the audience which leads to foreshadowing in the second act. —Aleah Wright, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025

As the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks squabble over Cyprus in the background, the men before us quarrel over everything—a woman, a job, a handkerchief. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025

An orange handkerchief flutters from his back pocket. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 18 Dec. 2024

Frieda’s handkerchief is tucked into one of his pockets. —Sarah Weinman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

handkerchief

noun

hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf 

-(ˌ)chif,

-ˌchēf

plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves -chəfs 

-(ˌ)chifs,

-ˌchēvz,

-ˌchēfs,

-ˌchəvz,

-ˌchivz

1

: a small piece of cloth used for wiping the face, nose, or eyes

2

: kerchief sense 1