handkerchief

[hang-ker-chif, -cheef]

noun

1. a small piece of linen, silk, or other fabric, usually square, and used especially for wiping one's nose, eyes, face, etc., or for decorative purposes.

2. a neckerchief or kerchief.

handkerchief

/ ˈhæŋkətʃɪf, -tʃiːf /

noun

1. a small square of soft absorbent material, such as linen, silk, or soft paper, carried and used to wipe the nose, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of handkerchief¹

First recorded in 1520–30; hand + kerchief

Example Sentences

At one point, while giving his evidence, he became emotional while looking at photos and wiped his eyes with a handkerchief.

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The lives of 60 criminals deported from Anglesey for crimes as small as stealing a handkerchief have been traced by a team of volunteers and researchers.

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Once there, the players frantically waved white table handkerchiefs above their heads to a live rendition of Freed From Desire expertly played by the in-house saxophonist.

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The suspect wore black, his face covered by a handkerchief, Barrientos said.

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The finale should run you through a pack of handkerchiefs, unless you are some sort of heartless monster.

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Related Words

• bandana www.thesaurus.com
• scarf