handkerchiefs

variants also handkerchieves
plural of handkerchief
1
as in madrases
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 towels
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 handkerchiefs Their masters stood nearby, traders in thick mantle coats with handkerchiefs wrapped round their heads, smoking and chatting in French. Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 In September, seek out Independence Day traditions like cueca (a folk dance with handkerchiefs) on street corners and at week-long fondas (pop-up fairs). Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026 Had Otello understood that all the world is a joke, as Falstaff startlingly reveals at the end of the opera, Iago would never have been able to poison Otello’s susceptible frail ego with his ridiculous tales of handkerchiefs and what-not. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Some journalists attending this year’s dinner have unveiled plans to wear pocket handkerchiefs or lapel pins with the words of the First Amendment. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 Particular mostly to Louisiana weddings, the second line parade is quite the celebratory tradition in which a brass band and parasol-wielding newlyweds lead their guests, who wave handkerchiefs or napkins, on a festive jaunt through the city (or around their reception venue). Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026 The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance. Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026 The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch. Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 Some are silky, some are spikey, and some — like the one worn by stately maidservant Hero, played by Emma Corrin — look like handkerchiefs delicately dropped from a great height onto the head of its wearer. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
  • To round out the collection, Rhode is also releasing limited-edition shades of its peptide lip shapes and tints as well as accessories such as bags, towels and lip cases.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • First and foremost, separate your towels into different loads depending on their use.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Likewise, in fashion, bandanas, plaid shirts, prairie skirts, and Western boots have been busy infiltrating our wardrobes.
    Elle Turner, Glamour, 31 May 2026
  • This collection, the first celebrity collab for Lee, brings men's and women's clothing, fun bag charms, patchwork denim bags and even adorable pet shirts and bandanas -- over 100 items in total -- to shoppers for accessible prices ranging from $6 to $42.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • At the funeral for Pope Francis in April, Jill Biden, Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Queen Rania of Jordan were among the high-profile royals and global dignitaries who wore mantillas with their mourning attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Handkerchiefs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchiefs. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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