hanky
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of hanky
First recorded in 1890–95; han(d)k(erchief) + -y 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I have an absolute disregard for self-preservation. I will do anything,” said Larry Donnelly, 42, who owns a St. Augustine pressure-washing business and serves as captain of the five-man team Hanky Spanky.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024
Chief executive of the group, Reg Hanky, took over the business in 2007.
From BBC • Aug. 13, 2023
Hanky Panky, Kapetan-Misina 2, cocktails around 800 dinars, or about $7.30.
From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2023
I wasn’t in Miami waving the White Hanky.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2022
So Hanky Panky felt ready to take off his hat to every one of them who gave the three riders a cheer or a salute in passing by.
From The Big Five Motorcycle Boys on the Battle Line Or, With the Allies in France by Marlow, Ralph
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
