Handkerchief

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈhaÅ‹kÉ™tʃiːf/, /ˈhaÅ‹kÉ™tʃɪf/
• US IPA: /ˈhæŋkÉštʃɪf/

Alternative forms

• handkercher obsolete

Origin

From hand + kerchief.

Full definition of handkerchief

Noun

1. A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.
• 1913, w, Lord Stranleigh Abroad Chapter 5, Mr. Banks’ panama hat was in one hand, while the other drew a handkerchief across his perspiring brow.
2. A piece of cloth shaped like a handkerchief to be worn about the neck; a neckerchief or neckcloth.

Synonyms

• hanky
• pocket handkerchief