kleenex

IPA/ˈkliː.neks/
KK[klˈinəks]IPA/ˈkliː.neks/

kleenex — noun

  • kleenexsingular
  • kleenexesplural

1. the name Kleenex for soft paper tissues sold in a box, or for one sheet that you

1.nounB1
Definition

the name Kleenex for soft paper tissues sold in a box, or for one sheet that you pull out to wipe your nose, dry tears, or clean a small mess

Example

Brandon passed Camila a Kleenex when her nose started to run.

hand someone a Kleenex

The receptionist put a fresh box of Kleenex next to the sign-in sheet.

a box of Kleenex

Common collocations
  • a box of Kleenex
  • hand someone a Kleenex
  • pull out a Kleenex
  • extra Kleenex
Synonyms
  • tissue

    the neutral everyday term for the same soft paper item

  • facial tissue

    the fuller product-label term, often seen on packaging

Antonyms
  • handkerchief

    a reusable cloth item rather than a disposable paper tissue

Grammar Patterns

a Kleenex

a box of Kleenex

hand someone a Kleenex

Usage Note

Kleenex is a brand name, but many speakers also use it loosely for any facial tissue, especially in everyday requests such as asking for one when someone is sneezing or crying.

Common Mistakes

Please give me a paper for my nose.
Please give me a Kleenex.
'paper' is too general; 'Kleenex' names the soft tissue used for your nose.
I need one Kleenex box.
I need a box of Kleenex.
Use 'a box of Kleenex' for the container, not 'one Kleenex box' in a normal request.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Kleenex is a brand name, while tissue is the neutral everyday word for the same soft paper sheet. Facial tissue is a fuller product term and often appears on boxes or in shops. Handkerchief is different because it is made of cloth and you wash it after using it, so it is not a disposable paper product. Paper towel is also different: it is thicker, usually used in kitchens, and is better for wiping tables or hands than for blowing your nose. You might ask for a Kleenex or a tissue, but you would wrap a paper towel around a spill and carry a handkerchief in your pocket.

tissue ↗facial tissuehandkerchief ↗paper towel

Common collocations

Nouns

  • box of Kleenex
  • packet of Kleenex

Phrases

  • ask for a Kleenex
  • hand someone a Kleenex
  • pull out a Kleenex