handkerchief
HANG-kuht-shihf
Handkerchief (noun) means a small square of cloth carried for wiping the nose, face, or hands. Example: “He offered her a clean handkerchief when she started crying.”
noun
1
A small square of cloth carried for wiping the nose, face, or hands.
"He offered her a clean handkerchief when she started crying."
"Her grandmother still irons her cotton handkerchiefs."
2
A similar piece of cloth worn around the neck.
"He tied a red handkerchief around his neck before the ride."
How to use handkerchief
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small cloth used to wipe your face or nose, or sometimes worn as a neckerchief.
UK vs US
In casual British English often shortened to "hankie"; in American English "tissue" (paper) has largely replaced it for everyday use.
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Word forms
- Plural
- handkerchiefs, handkerchieves
Fill the gap
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He offered her a clean _____ when she started crying.
Etymology
From "hand" + "kerchief" (itself from Old French couvre-chief, "cover for the head").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for handkerchief
See all rhymes for handkerchief →Frequently asked questions
What does “handkerchief” mean?
The word “handkerchief” means a small square of cloth carried for wiping the nose, face, or hands. In plain terms, a small cloth used to wipe your face or nose, or sometimes worn as a neckerchief.
How do you pronounce “handkerchief”?
“Handkerchief” is pronounced HANG-kuht-shihf (/ˈhæŋkəːt͡ʃɪf/ in IPA).
How do you use “handkerchief” in a sentence?
Here is “handkerchief” used in a sentence: “He offered her a clean handkerchief when she started crying.”
What part of speech is “handkerchief”?
“Handkerchief” is a noun.
Where does the word “handkerchief” come from?
The word “handkerchief” comes from Old French. From "hand" + "kerchief" (itself from Old French couvre-chief, "cover for the head").
Is “handkerchief” a common word?
“Handkerchief” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “handkerchief” have?
“Handkerchief” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small square of cloth carried for wiping the nose, face, or hands.
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