hankie

noun

ˈhaŋ-kē How to pronounce hankie (audio)
variants or hanky
Definition of hankienext
as in handkerchief
a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes held a hankie up to his nose and blew vigorously

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hankie Far from signaling misery, crying can be a source of pleasure, as when people pay good money to read a tearjerker or watch a three-hankie movie. — Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 If the refs keep their yellow hankies in their pockets, the Bills will secure a last second victory. — Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025 If you’re headed to the Soraya, don’t worry about taking too many hankies — the tragedy takes a back seat to the comedy, though the former is deeply felt in the few moments where Newman is really going for it. — Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024 So Judy Garland and Kay Thompson went out to this tent in Connecticut, or wherever, and burst into tears watching her perform but didn’t have a hankie. — Juan A. Ramírez, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hankie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hankie
  1. handkerchief
  2. towel
Noun
  • His right hand, wrapped in a handkerchief and appearing as though injured, held a revolver.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This flirty Damson Madder handkerchief skirt that’s begging to be styled with a ribbed tank and kitten heels.
    — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of handkerchief
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

Browse Nearby Words

hankers (for or after)
hankie
hankies
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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