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
“Then around 2018 or 2019, more bartenders opened their own bars here too — Riddle Bar, Druid Bar, Lenja Buba, Bitters Bar, Hanky Panky, Barblija,” he said, counting off on his fingers.
From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2023
I wasn’t in Miami waving the White Hanky.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2022
Finally even the willing Josh was heard to declare that he had about reached the limit of his endurance, while Hanky Panky looked ready to drop.
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.
