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

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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 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 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 As the general asks Desdemona (an impeccable Olivia Cygan) to retrieve her handkerchief — an apparent smoking gun of infidelity found in another man’s chambers — his wife promptly spirals and stalls. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 3 June 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
  • White sheets, towels, and clothes have a fresh, crisp look to them that has the power to make life feel a little more luxurious.
    — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • Use cooling fans or towels and drink slushies or other icy beverages.
    — Dorany Pineda, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of towel
Noun
  • The resident of the house answered the door, and was met by a man wearing a gray sweatshirt and jeans, with a camouflage mask or bandana covering his mouth.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • For the outing, both wore bright colored rain coats paired with dark pants and kept it low-key with sunshades and head coverings —Jenner opted for a bandana and Elordi wore a baseball cap.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
Definition of bandanna
Noun
  • An iconic food in Minnesota, the Juicy Lucy is a three-napkin burger famous is for its molten cheese center.
    — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 28 June 2026
  • Just do not wear leather on the bottom half, lest your napkin slide off, too.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on handkerchief

Nglish: Translation of handkerchief for Spanish Speakers

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