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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to acting and directing, Hanks also had a line of stylish handkerchiefs, but the business shut down in December 2022. John Russell, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024 The highlight is a dancing pocket handkerchief who is a better dancer than Justin Timberlake. April Wallace, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024 When Dench’s character, a vivacious lady novelist, urges her to breathe deeply the Tuscan air, Smith gives a feeble attempt and immediately applies a handkerchief to her face in disgust. Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024 My eventual hack was to stick a cloth handkerchief in between the wrap and my chin to soften the scratchiness. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for handkerchief 

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 10 Dec. 2024.

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
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