handkerchiefs

variants also handkerchieves
Definition of handkerchiefsnext
plural of handkerchief
1
as in madrases
a scarf worn on the head tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in towels
a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of handkerchiefs Had Otello understood that all the world is a joke, as Falstaff startlingly reveals at the end of the opera, Iago would never have been able to poison Otello’s susceptible frail ego with his ridiculous tales of handkerchiefs and what-not. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Some journalists attending this year’s dinner have unveiled plans to wear pocket handkerchiefs or lapel pins with the words of the First Amendment. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 Particular mostly to Louisiana weddings, the second line parade is quite the celebratory tradition in which a brass band and parasol-wielding newlyweds lead their guests, who wave handkerchiefs or napkins, on a festive jaunt through the city (or around their reception venue). Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026 The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance. Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026 The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch. Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 Some are silky, some are spikey, and some — like the one worn by stately maidservant Hero, played by Emma Corrin — look like handkerchiefs delicately dropped from a great height onto the head of its wearer. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 The fans responded by waving their white handkerchiefs, the ultimate sign of disapproval. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America. Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
  • Add it to the washing machine along with a couple of bath towels, which can help prevent the liner from bunching and wrinkling and also adds some scrubbing action during the wash cycle.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
  • However, there are moments of reprieve between loads of clothes, sheets, and towels.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The friendly shop, run by husband-and-wife creatives, also carries gifts like prints, bags, and bandanas.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Additionally, the bar will feature a retail component where locals can check out Broken Bow’s hats, button-down shirts, bandannas and more, all of which feature Patterson’s original artwork and designs.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At the funeral for Pope Francis in April, Jill Biden, Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Queen Rania of Jordan were among the high-profile royals and global dignitaries who wore mantillas with their mourning attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Handkerchiefs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchiefs. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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