handkerchief

American  

[hang-ker-chif, -cheef] / ˈhæŋ kər tʃɪf, -ˌtʃif /

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.

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handkerchief British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of handkerchief

First recorded in 1520–30; hand + kerchief

Explanation

A handkerchief is a square of fabric that you can use to blow your nose. You can also tuck a handkerchief in the breast pocket of a suit, or wear it tied jauntily around your neck. You can call a handkerchief a "hanky," or just a kerchief, although this more often means "a square piece of cloth worn as a head covering." This last part of handkerchief comes from the Old French couvrechief, literally meaning "cover head," from couvrir, "cover," and chief, "head." So a handkerchief is a similar cloth held in the hand — to mop your brow or wipe your eyes.

Example Sentences

He says he knows from experience the perilous nature of racing, with jockeys balanced over a saddle the size of a large handkerchief and horses bunched together running up to 40 miles an hour.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Afterwards Nawat appeared at a press conference wearing a tuxedo and openly weeping as he theatrically dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief, claiming he had been "betrayed".

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

Indeed, using the flag as a handkerchief has at least twice led to courts-martial.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2025

I dropped into the Marquess’s pocket behind the handkerchief.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• bandana
• scarf