handkerchief

noun

hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(ˌ)chif,
-ˌchēf
plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves ˈhaŋ-kər-chəfs How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(ˌ)chifs,
-ˌchēvz,
-ˌchēfs,
-chəvz,
-(ˌ)chivz
1
: a small usually square piece of cloth used for usually personal purposes (such as blowing the nose) or as a clothing accessory
2

Examples of handkerchief in a Sentence

tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available
Recent Examples on the Web The years from 1934 to 1949 are blank like her handkerchief. Joanna Biggs, Harper's Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024 The episode ends with Mel wetting a handkerchief and charging into the burning house. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2023 Danson, 76, opted for a classic black tuxedo for his red carpet look but added a touch of flair with a black-and-white polka dot tie and pocket handkerchief. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 It is performed by a string of dancers who grab onto one another as a leader twirling a stick, handkerchief, or beads sets the pace. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024 To book lovers' delight, Netflix also confirmed and dropped a photo of a fan-favorite book scene — one in which Colin cuts his hand on a letter opener and Penelope wraps it for him, first with a handkerchief, then a napkin. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2024 Shop handmade jewelry at Southern Sisters Champagne Bar & Boutique with a drink in hand before browsing the shoes and dresses at Chelsea’s Ladies Clothing and Accessories, then head over to Gregory’s Boutique for menswear and the perfect tie or handkerchief. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 In the film, Truman merely brandishes the handkerchief, looking at Oppenheimer with a mocking pout. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 29 Jan. 2024 News photographs showed Lee lying on the ground with his eyes closed and other people pressing a handkerchief against the side of his neck. Landon Mion, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handkerchief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handkerchief was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near handkerchief

Cite this Entry

“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handkerchief. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

handkerchief

noun
hand·​ker·​chief ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(ˌ)chif,
-ˌchēf
plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves -chəfs How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
-(ˌ)chifs,
-ˌchēvz,
-ˌchēfs,
-ˌchəvz,
-ˌchivz
1
: a small piece of cloth used for wiping the face, nose, or eyes
2

More from Merriam-Webster on handkerchief

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