handkerchiefs

variants also handkerchieves
plural of handkerchief
1
as in madrases
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 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

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 handkerchiefs Caught unprepared for chemical warfare and lacking standard-issue gas masks, Allied soldiers improvised by covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or pieces of cloth drenched in water or urine. Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 Fire-resistant clothing should include sturdy shoes, long sleeves and pants, hats, handkerchiefs and high visibility goggles. Hali Smith august 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2026 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 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 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 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 In September, seek out Independence Day traditions like cueca (a folk dance with handkerchiefs) on street corners and at week-long fondas (pop-up fairs). Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
  • 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
  • Sevy, which launched three months ago, sells colorful bandanas to protect the wearer’s neck or head.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At the detention center in Lumpkin, Georgia, she was given threadbare towels, a sheet and a uniform.
    Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Each has a king-size bed with a Casper mattress, custom The Henson robes and Frette towels, a frame TV, Marshall speakers, Grown Alchemist products, and a lot of natural light.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the women had their hair covered in lace mantillas, an old Catholic custom.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 June 2026
  • At the funeral for Pope Francis in April, Jill Biden, Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Queen Rania of Jordan were among the high-profile royals and global dignitaries who wore mantillas with their mourning attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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