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
The fans responded by waving their white handkerchiefs, the ultimate sign of disapproval.
—
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
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
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
-
There were hype videos and live music and waving towels with flashing lights built in.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Aim to keep only one or two towels per category per person in the space, and rotate fresh ones in as needed from your main linen closet.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 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
-
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 18 Oct. 2025.
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