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 

-ˌchēft

adjective

Synonyms

• babushka
• bandanna
• bandana
• do-rag
• handkerchief
• madras
• mantilla

Examples of kerchief in a Sentence

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

But even with the kerchief, a signifier of rebellion tied loosely around his neck, Kent can’t help but wrestle with the idea of integrating into the mainstream, and all that goes along with it. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2024

Megan Rapinoe wore one at the Olympics, Hailey Bieber wrapped a leopard print scarf over a baseball cap, and Billie Eilish tied on a Gucci kerchief for an event in late 2023. —Allure, 6 Sep. 2024

Hands in Ramberg’s work clutch white kerchiefs or are bound by black satin straps. —Sue Taylor, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2024

Hadid’s Miu Miu outfit consisted of a yellow leather kerchief top and matching skirt. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 23 July 2024

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 

-ˌchēf

plural kerchiefs -chəfs 

-ˌchēfs

also kerchieves -ˌchēvz 

1

: a square of cloth worn as a head covering or as a scarf

2

: handkerchief sense 1