kerchief
noun
ker·chief ˈkər-chəf 
-ˌchēf
plural kerchiefs ˈkər-chəfs
-ˌchēfs
also kerchieves ˈkər-ˌchēvz 1
: a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck
2
: handkerchief sense 1
kerchiefed
ˈkər-chəft
adjective -ˌchēft
Synonyms
- babushka
- bandanna
- bandana
- do-rag
- handkerchief
- madras
- mantilla
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
tied the kerchief around her head to keep her hair out of her face dabbed the sweat on his brow with a kerchief
Recent Examples on the Web Andy Daily, 50, a longtime sand sculptor from Sarasota, Fla., secured an ice pack to the back of his neck with a kerchief. 
Bailey Allen, BostonGlobe.com, 22 July 2022 The excellent dog care line Pride and Groom has a perfect package for the father of four-legged creatures, including their must-have foaming waterless shampoo, grooming wipes, and a kerchief for the pooch as well as a ballcap and tote bag for dad. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 10 June 2022 Rushing around with a white apron tied around my waist and a red kerchief on my head. San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2022 Opponents also circulated an elementary-school photograph of her wearing the obligatory red kerchief of the Young Pioneers. Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2022 Chachu clears his throat, his attention drifting to my braids, one over each shoulder, then to the green kerchief tied behind my bangs. Seija Rankin, EW.com, 25 Aug. 2021 The only difference is that an actress dressed in full costume, replete with a lace kerchief on top of her head, stood in for his mother, Anna McNeill Whistler. Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2021 Rihanna wore a long brown leather coat and orange kerchief for their meeting, while Rocky wore a black textured bomber jacket, black jeans, and a trucker hat. Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 July 2021 Maybe your Fair Isle sweater will be topped off with ski goggles and a colorful hair kerchief? Steff Yotka, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2021 See More
Bailey Allen, BostonGlobe.com, 22 July 2022 The excellent dog care line Pride and Groom has a perfect package for the father of four-legged creatures, including their must-have foaming waterless shampoo, grooming wipes, and a kerchief for the pooch as well as a ballcap and tote bag for dad. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 10 June 2022 Rushing around with a white apron tied around my waist and a red kerchief on my head. San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2022 Opponents also circulated an elementary-school photograph of her wearing the obligatory red kerchief of the Young Pioneers. Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2022 Chachu clears his throat, his attention drifting to my braids, one over each shoulder, then to the green kerchief tied behind my bangs. Seija Rankin, EW.com, 25 Aug. 2021 The only difference is that an actress dressed in full costume, replete with a lace kerchief on top of her head, stood in for his mother, Anna McNeill Whistler. Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2021 Rihanna wore a long brown leather coat and orange kerchief for their meeting, while Rocky wore a black textured bomber jacket, black jeans, and a trucker hat. Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 July 2021 Maybe your Fair Isle sweater will be topped off with ski goggles and a colorful hair kerchief? Steff Yotka, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English courchef, from Anglo-French coverchef, cuerchief, from coverir to cover + chef head — more at chief
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
kerchief
noun
ker·chief ˈkər-chəf
plural kerchiefs
: a square of cloth worn as a head covering or as a scarf
kerchiefs
noun
variants also kerchieves
1
as in handkerchiefs
a scarf worn on the head tied the kerchief around her head to keep her hair out of her face Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- handkerchiefs
- handkerchieves
- bandannas
- bandanas
- mantillas
- babushkas
- shawls
- do-rags
- madrases
- hankies
2
as in tissues
a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes dabbed the sweat on his brow with a kerchief Synonyms & Similar Words
- handkerchiefs
- tissues
- handkerchieves
- hankies
- towels
- napkins
- bandannas
- bandanas
- serviettes
