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
  • The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Over time, the slim medium-size cube became my portable underwear drawer; the wide small pouch was my outdoor gear bag (beanie, gloves, handkerchief, swimsuit, and foldable cap); and the wide medium size held my bras and socks.
    Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In fact, upon check-in, your butler is alerted to your arrival and waits outside your room with a welcome drink, warm towel, and handy tips on navigating your room.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Alcaraz was two sets up and, despite twice vomiting into a towel at the change of ends in the third set, apparently in control.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Hankie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hankie. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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