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 of handkerchief
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
It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discarded.
—
Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
As the general asks Desdemona (an impeccable Olivia Cygan) to retrieve her handkerchief — an apparent smoking gun of infidelity found in another man’s chambers — his wife promptly spirals and stalls.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 3 June 2026
Its midi length is designed with a handkerchief hem to flow with every step, and the waist is ruched for a flattering fit.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Their masters stood nearby, traders in thick mantle coats with handkerchiefs wrapped round their heads, smoking and chatting in French.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
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Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
As the general asks Desdemona (an impeccable Olivia Cygan) to retrieve her handkerchief — an apparent smoking gun of infidelity found in another man’s chambers — his wife promptly spirals and stalls.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 3 June 2026
Its midi length is designed with a handkerchief hem to flow with every step, and the waist is ruched for a flattering fit.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Their masters stood nearby, traders in thick mantle coats with handkerchiefs wrapped round their heads, smoking and chatting in French.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
Cite this Entry
“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handkerchief. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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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