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
-
Linens, Bedding, & Towels Running out of space to store extra linens or towels in your closet?—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
23 Oct. 2025
-
But the Quince towels dried my body in a single swipe and didn’t leave behind a still-damp feeling.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
At the Orlando stop of the tour on October 14, multiple fans paid tribute by wearing red bandannas.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
16 Oct. 2025
-
From metallic sparkle bandanas to adventure-ready harnesses and travel crates, this collection has everything your pet needs to keep their tails wagging and paws moving in style.—
Jessica Moore,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handkerchiefs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchiefs. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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