hanky

American  

[hang-kee] / ˈhæŋ ki /

Or hankie

noun

plural

hankies

1. a handkerchief.

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hanky British  

/ ˈhæŋkɪ /

noun

1. informal short for handkerchief

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Etymology

Origin of hanky

First recorded in 1890–95; han(d)k(erchief) + -y ²

Example Sentences

To say he makes the most of the material isn’t quite doing it justice – Gilgun manages to make a ballgown out of a snotty hanky, and seems to have enormous fun doing it.

From The Guardian • Jun. 22, 2020

But who wants to see a swashbuckler coughing up blood into a stolen gentlemen’s hanky?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2018

Big Laramie Valley Volunteer Fire Department Chief Richard Parrish handed me a blue hanky with a gesture toward my face.

From Washington Times • Jun. 14, 2017

We did this about three times, and there was no physical contact, no hanky panky, just old-fashioned dating, conversation and dining.

From The Verge • Sep. 11, 2016

“Come on. Just fold those fingers up; fingers on the inside, thumbs on the outside. Say something. Honk me back. You’re so tall, and you let me pick on you. “Would you like a hanky?

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston