What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hankie
Example
He pulled out his hankie to wipe the sweat from his forehead. [hankie: noun]
Example
She always keeps a hankie in her purse in case she needs it. [hankie: noun]
handkerchief
Example
He offered her his handkerchief to wipe away her tears. [handkerchief: noun]
Example
She embroidered her initials on her handkerchief as a personal touch. [handkerchief: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Handkerchief is more commonly used than hankie in British English, while hankie is more commonly used in American English. However, both terms are still used today and are recognized as synonyms.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hankie and handkerchief?
Handkerchief is generally considered more formal than hankie. It is often associated with more formal occasions, such as weddings or funerals, while hankie is more commonly used in everyday situations and is considered more casual and informal.
