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
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
Your man scent will usually keep small predator animals away; to be doubly sure, tie some personal article like a handkerchief to the meat.
—
Maurice H. Decker, Outdoor Life, 17 Sep. 2025
For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
The older Burnett would put on a top hat, a black suit, a red tie and a red handkerchief.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
The heat was now sweltering, my handkerchief sodden with use.
—Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
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Maurice H. Decker, Outdoor Life, 17 Sep. 2025
For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
The older Burnett would put on a top hat, a black suit, a red tie and a red handkerchief.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
The heat was now sweltering, my handkerchief sodden with use.
—Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
Cite this Entry
“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handkerchief. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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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