handkerchief
noun
hand·ker·chief
ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf 
-(ˌ)chif,
-ˌchēf
plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves
ˈhaŋ-kər-chəfs
-(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
Synonyms
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
Rocking Burberry shorts and a matching handkerchief that covered the lower half of his face, the Irish actor looked positively giddy when Carpenter threw a sultry wave his way during her set.
—
Waiss Aramesh, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024
The exhibit also has the contents of Lincoln's pockets from the night he was assassinated, including a pocket watch, two pairs of glasses, a handkerchief, and a billfold with his name.
—Nikole Killion, CBS News, 15 June 2024
The flag should also not be embroidered on items such as cushions, handkerchiefs and the like, impressed on paper napkins or boxes or otherwise printed as a design for temporary use and discard.
—Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 14 June 2024
Each artifact has a story, like the white handkerchief that belonged to neighbor Shirley Webster's mother.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for handkerchief 
Waiss Aramesh, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024
The exhibit also has the contents of Lincoln's pockets from the night he was assassinated, including a pocket watch, two pairs of glasses, a handkerchief, and a billfold with his name.
—Nikole Killion, CBS News, 15 June 2024
The flag should also not be embroidered on items such as cushions, handkerchiefs and the like, impressed on paper napkins or boxes or otherwise printed as a design for temporary use and discard.
—Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 14 June 2024
Each artifact has a story, like the white handkerchief that belonged to neighbor Shirley Webster's mother.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for handkerchief
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handkerchief. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
handkerchief
noun
hand·ker·chief
ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf
-(ˌ)chif,
-ˌchēf
plural handkerchiefs also handkerchieves
-chəfs
-(ˌ)chifs,
-ˌchēvz,
-ˌchēfs,
-ˌchəvz,
-ˌchivz
1
: a small piece of cloth used for wiping the face, nose, or eyes
2
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