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

• handkerchief
• bandana

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

On the Dogue cover, the two canines pose with their tongues out while riding a white miniature Mercedes-Benz, modeling kerchiefs specially ordered for the occasion by Carpenter’s mom. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 19 Aug. 2025

Just ask Emma Watson or Sofia Richie Grainge—who recently doubled down on gingham by pairing an oversized gingham shirt with a matching hair kerchief. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 July 2025

Bandanas and kerchiefs worn tightly around the neck emerged as the must-have item. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 June 2025

Accessories include a Fedora hat, ribbon belts with a V-logo buckles, kerchiefs and charm necklaces. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 22 May 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