handkerchiefs Definition
a square piece of cloth or paper used for wiping the nose or eyes, especially one carried in a pocket.
Using handkerchiefs: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "handkerchiefs" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He pulled out his handkerchief and blew his nose.
Example
She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
Example
He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.
Example
She always carries a handkerchief in her purse.
handkerchiefs Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with handkerchiefs
a symbol of surrender or peace
Example
The soldier waved a white handkerchief to indicate that he was surrendering.
a color-coded system used by gay men in the 1970s to indicate their sexual preferences and interests
Example
The handkerchief code was a discreet way for gay men to signal their interests to others.
a handkerchief that is small enough to fit in a pocket
Example
He took out his pocket handkerchief and offered it to her.
Origins of handkerchiefs
from 'hand' + 'kerchief', meaning 'head-covering'
Summary: handkerchiefs in Brief
'Handkerchiefs' [ˈhæŋkərtʃɪfs] are square pieces of cloth or paper used for wiping the nose or eyes, typically carried in a pocket. They can be used for various purposes, such as wiping sweat or tears, and are often associated with formal attire. 'Handkerchiefs' can also have symbolic meanings, such as the white handkerchief as a symbol of surrender or peace.
