Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

handkerchief

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of handkerchief

1 a scarf worn on the head

  • tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic
Synonyms of handkerchief

babushka, bandanna (or bandana), do-rag, kerchief, madras, mantilla
Words Related to handkerchief

shawl

hankie (or hanky)

2 a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes

  • usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available
Synonyms of handkerchief

hankie (or hanky), kerchief
Words Related to handkerchief

napkin, serviette [chiefly British], tissue, towel

bandanna (or bandana)

Learn More about handkerchief

  1. See words that rhyme with handkerchief Dictionary: Definition of handkerchief Spanish Central: Translation of handkerchief Nglish: Translation of handkerchief for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of handkerchief for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up handkerchief? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

henchman

a trusted follower

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. gaslight It is a word, though.

  2. invasion CNN reporter questions President.

  3. relevancy Ariana Grande slams ex-fiancé.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games