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
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
The highlight is a dancing pocket handkerchief who is a better dancer than Justin Timberlake.
—April Wallace, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024
When Dench’s character, a vivacious lady novelist, urges her to breathe deeply the Tuscan air, Smith gives a feeble attempt and immediately applies a handkerchief to her face in disgust.
—Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024
My eventual hack was to stick a cloth handkerchief in between the wrap and my chin to soften the scratchiness.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for handkerchief 
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John Russell, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024
The highlight is a dancing pocket handkerchief who is a better dancer than Justin Timberlake.
—April Wallace, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024
When Dench’s character, a vivacious lady novelist, urges her to breathe deeply the Tuscan air, Smith gives a feeble attempt and immediately applies a handkerchief to her face in disgust.
—Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024
My eventual hack was to stick a cloth handkerchief in between the wrap and my chin to soften the scratchiness.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for handkerchief
Articles Related to handkerchief
Dictionary Entries Near handkerchief
Cite this Entry
“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handkerchief. Accessed 1 Dec. 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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