noun
bandanna
ban-DAN-uh/bænˈdænə/
A large colored handkerchief worn on the head or neck.
He wears a red bandanna loosely tied around his neck.
Etymology
Hindi bandhnu names a dyeing method in which cloth is tied in different places, like modern tie-dye. The handkerchief takes its name from the resulting colors and spots.
In context
My bandanna handkerchief—one of six beauties given to me by my lady—was handy in my pocket.
More examples
- He uses a bandanna to keep dust out of his hair.
- The folded bandanna fits in her pocket.
- Colorful bandannas hang beside the work gloves.
Forms
bandanna · bandannas
Similar words
- kerchief
- A broader term for cloth worn over the head or around the neck.
- headscarf
- A headscarf is defined by how it is worn; a bandanna is a particular square cloth also worn around the neck.