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handkerchief

noun

ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
Definition of handkerchiefnext
1
as in madras
a scarf worn on the head tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in towel
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 & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of handkerchief That great-grandfather, Gurbachan Singh Maan, had come to Britain in the 1930s as a peddler, walking the lanes of southeast England with a bicycle and an armful of scarves, towels and handkerchiefs. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Some were seen drying their eyes with handkerchiefs in a Reuters live video of the scene. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 The day after the ceremony, photos circulated online of an ivory handkerchief embroidered with lace that was handed out to the wedding guests. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 July 2026 Lopez wore three custom Ralph Lauren gowns – one a revamp of the designer's turtleneck column dress made with 1,000 handkerchiefs. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchief
  1. madras
  2. towel
  3. bandanna
  4. napkin
Noun
  • Standalone cotton twill, madras, linen, rayon and poplin are light, airy and breathable—and therefore should be avoided at all costs.
    — Barry Samaha, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2023
  • Robbie Kendall was waiting on the steps of the tomb in madras shorts and a light blue polo shirt, his blond hair worn just long enough to suggest surfer without actually looking disreputable.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2022
Definition of madras
Noun
  • Cover the plants with blankets, towels, or frost protection cloth when temperatures drop below freezing.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026
  • People can also soak their clothing in cold water or apply an iced or chilled damp towel to their body.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of towel
Noun
  • Both the young women and the young men can see and recognize something in that smile and in that small gift of the father in that red bandana as something that's attainable.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • T-shirts, socks, lighters, stickers, bandanas and water bottles feature the French outdoor brand’s logo — a white-bearded hiker — alongside Andelman’s signature psychedelic mushroom visual.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of bandanna
Noun
  • The lingerers brought their dirty dishes to the bus tub, wiped their mouths one last time with a napkin, and waved to Cleo, their faces saying, Nice job!
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • My napkin holder is four pieces of watermelon—two on each side with napkins sandwiched in the middle.
    — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of napkin

Browse Nearby Words

handiworks
handkerchief
handkerchiefs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchief. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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