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

• madras
• bandana
• bandanna

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

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

Sparkly snow like a fresh handkerchief had been dropped on the town. —Anne Carson, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025

Thousands turned up to watch humanoid robots to perform an array of unusual feats: from clumsily serving popcorn and drinks, spinning handkerchiefs, sparring in a boxing ring to playing chess and showcasing football skills. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Aug. 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