variants
also handkerchieves
1
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
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Recent Examples of handkerchiefs
For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America.
—
Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
By 1843, veterans regularly received navy blue jackets, pairs of cotton and linen trousers, flannel drawers and shirts, socks, pairs of shoes, white and checked cotton shirts, silk and cotton handkerchiefs, and hats.
— Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Yardley wasted no time in searching the purse but found nothing except $15, a key and two or three handkerchiefs.
—Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
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
Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
By 1843, veterans regularly received navy blue jackets, pairs of cotton and linen trousers, flannel drawers and shirts, socks, pairs of shoes, white and checked cotton shirts, silk and cotton handkerchiefs, and hats.
— Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Yardley wasted no time in searching the purse but found nothing except $15, a key and two or three handkerchiefs.
—Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
-
Individual disposable towels and/or hand drying device not provided at lavatory or hand sink.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Kohl’s has quick-dry ribbed towels that come in fun fall colors, like yellow, a variety of greens and different blues.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Throughout the show, everyone had green bandannas out, the same ones that street vendors were selling for $7 outside the Prudential Center.—
Jayson Buford,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
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Costume options range from simple bandanas to more elaborate inflatable outfits.—
Trisha Easto,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handkerchiefs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchiefs. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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