variants
also handkerchieves
1
2
as in towels
a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes
usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handkerchiefs
By 1843, veterans regularly received navy blue jackets, pairs of cotton and linen trousers, flannel drawers and shirts, socks, pairs of shoes, white and checked cotton shirts, silk and cotton handkerchiefs, and hats.
—
Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Yardley wasted no time in searching the purse but found nothing except $15, a key and two or three handkerchiefs.
—Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
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
Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Yardley wasted no time in searching the purse but found nothing except $15, a key and two or three handkerchiefs.
—Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
-
Finally, dingy, discolored, or stringy towels need to get the heave-ho.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Bring heavy duty garbage bags, gloves to protect your hands, a broom, and old rags or towels for cleaning up spills.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
2 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
There is the Tyger Tuck Shop—a reference to the name of her global fanbase—for customized jerseys, T-shirts, bandanas, and hats.—
Funmi Fetto,
Vogue,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The 21st annual Puppy Bowl features two teams of puppies, Team Ruff, wearing orange bandanas and Team Fluff, wearing blue.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handkerchiefs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchiefs. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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