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 His right hand, wrapped in a handkerchief and appearing as though injured, held a revolver. — 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 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 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
  • The feels-like temperature was 105 degrees, with umpires chugging water between innings and fans shielding their heads with giveaway towels on a cloudless day.
    — Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The facility’s operator did not demonstrate acceptable food safety knowledge on proper warewashing, sanitizer requirement/use, cloth towel use/storage, food contact surface cleaning and cold holding temperatures.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of towel
Noun
  • Wear a little leather jacket over bandanna print balloon cargo pants with a beaded necklace.
    — Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The piece was heavily popularized by Native American jewelers, especially amongst the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes; Historically, Indigenous men would wear bandanas around their necks, punctuated with shells or silver conches.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of bandanna
Noun
  • The lingerers brought their dirty dishes to the bus tub, wiped their mouths one last time with a napkin, and waved to Cleo, their faces saying, Nice job!
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • My napkin holder is four pieces of watermelon—two on each side with napkins sandwiched in the middle.
    — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 15 Sep. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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