variants or hanky
Definition of hankienext
as in handkerchief
a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes held a hankie up to his nose and blew vigorously

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hankie If the refs keep their yellow hankies in their pockets, the Bills will secure a last second victory. Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025 If you’re headed to the Soraya, don’t worry about taking too many hankies — the tragedy takes a back seat to the comedy, though the former is deeply felt in the few moments where Newman is really going for it. Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024 Related: Best Pie Recipes for Any Occasion 3 Handkerchief Bunting Kids will love helping set the mood for merriment by folding vintage hankies in half diagonally and hanging them on lengths of sturdy jute twine using small wooden clothespins. Charlyne Mattox, Country Living, 24 June 2023 Be warned that Homebound is a three-hankie weeper. Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for hankie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hankie
Noun
  • Wednesday’s home defeat against Manchester City leaves the Spaniard with just three wins across his last 10 games, but fans inside the Bernabeu stopped short of the white handkerchief-waving protest that often marks the death throes of a Los Blancos head coach.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
  • For application, Henriksen suggests wrapping an ice cube in a thin cotton handkerchief and massaging it across the skin.
    Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Turkish cotton towels double as lightweight blankets, ideal for an extra layer on a chilly plane or to stay cozy in your hotel room.
    Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a growing pile of clothes and towels on the floor makes the space feel even more unorganized.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Hankie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hankie. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

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