handkerchief

noun

ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf How to pronounce handkerchief (audio)
Definition of handkerchiefnext
1
as in madras
a scarf worn on the head tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in towel
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of handkerchief That great-grandfather, Gurbachan Singh Maan, had come to Britain in the 1930s as a peddler, walking the lanes of southeast England with a bicycle and an armful of scarves, towels and handkerchiefs. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Some were seen drying their eyes with handkerchiefs in a Reuters live video of the scene. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 The day after the ceremony, photos circulated online of an ivory handkerchief embroidered with lace that was handed out to the wedding guests. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 July 2026 Lopez wore three custom Ralph Lauren gowns – one a revamp of the designer's turtleneck column dress made with 1,000 handkerchiefs. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchief
  1. madras
  2. towel
  3. bandanna
  4. napkin
Noun
  • Standalone cotton twill, madras, linen, rayon and poplin are light, airy and breathable—and therefore should be avoided at all costs.
    — Barry Samaha, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2023
  • Robbie Kendall was waiting on the steps of the tomb in madras shorts and a light blue polo shirt, his blond hair worn just long enough to suggest surfer without actually looking disreputable.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2022
Definition of madras
Noun
  • From removing stubborn stains to softening scratchy towels, vinegar consistently tackles the problems that detergents and fabric softeners sometimes leave behind.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Transfer to a fresh container covered with wet towels and some ice, then refrigerate until ready to use.
    — Claire Wadsworth, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of towel
Noun
  • The line is available on Amazon, and features Western rhinestone tutu dresses and sweet denim bandanas.
    — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fans of the two Florida brands can also purchase merchandise such as reusable to-go cups and bandanas.
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of bandanna
Noun
  • Scott London Chester Designed by Jason Anderholm Chester began as a napkin sketch, created by Jason Anderholm, who went from electrician to showman.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Others may require you to do a little back-of-the-napkin math, says Jon Lapp, a CFP with Haven Financial Advisors.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of napkin

Browse Nearby Words

handiworks
handkerchief
handkerchiefs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchief. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All