handkerchief

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 Frieda’s handkerchief is tucked into one of his pockets. Sarah Weinman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 Rising Sun handkerchief top pocket. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025 As the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks squabble over Cyprus in the background, the men before us quarrel over everything—a woman, a job, a handkerchief. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025 By 1843, veterans regularly received navy blue jackets, pairs of cotton and linen trousers, flannel drawers and shirts, socks, pairs of shoes, white and checked cotton shirts, silk and cotton handkerchiefs, and hats. Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchief
Noun
  • Straight teeth and sandy hair, Izod T-shirts and madras skirts and boat shoes.
    Christian Livermore, Longreads, 11 Oct. 2022
  • Straight teeth and sandy hair, Izod T-shirts and madras skirts and boat shoes.
    Christian Livermore, Longreads, 11 Oct. 2022
Noun
  • Bring sunglasses, a hat, a cooling towel, a parasol and/or a personal fan.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Mike Tyson spent half a decade wearing nothing but a towel to the center of the boxing ring, letting his malevolent fists do the talking.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Before getting up, the girls sneakily wrap their cake slices in napkins and hide them under their chairs.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 13 May 2025
  • New guests are given a red napkin instead of a white one, signaling staff to provide VIP treatment.
    Mina Elias, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • The cover featured a drawing of a man wearing a thick gold bangle bracelet, hoop earrings and a polka dot bandanna on his head carrying a platter of food and wine.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 20 May 2025
  • There was a man to the side of the room wearing a bathrobe and a bandanna over his face.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchief. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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