kerchief

noun

ker·​chief ˈkər-chəf How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēf
plural kerchiefs ˈkər-chəfs How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēfs
also kerchieves ˈkər-ˌchēvz How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
1
: a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck
2
kerchiefed
ˈkər-chəft How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēft
adjective

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for kerchief 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of kerchief was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near kerchief

Cite this Entry

“Kerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kerchief. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

kerchief

noun
ker·​chief ˈkər-chəf How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēf
plural kerchiefs -chəfs How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
-ˌchēfs
also kerchieves -ˌchēvz How to pronounce kerchief (audio)
1
: a square of cloth worn as a head covering or as a scarf
2

More from Merriam-Webster on kerchief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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