napkin

noun

nap·​kin ˈnap-kən 

1

: a piece of material (such as cloth or paper) used at table to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes

2

: a small cloth or towel: such as

a

dialectal British : handkerchief

b

chiefly Scotland : kerchief

c

chiefly British : diaper sense 3

3

: sanitary napkin

Examples of napkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, wine bottles, napkins, and fruit fit conveniently in this outdoor bars' nooks for easy access. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025

Within seconds the staff had swept me to a new table, offering Champagne, napkins, heartfelt apologies. —Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

For those who thirst for the quintessential hotel bar for late-night meet-ups, the one at Château Royal has your number written on the back of a cocktail napkin. —Melinda Newman, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025

Tobacco lobbyists famously struck a historic deal with state lawmakers on the back of one of its napkins 35 years ago. —Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nappekin, from nape tablecloth, from Anglo-French, from Latin mappa napkin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing napkin

• sanitary napkin

Kids Definition

napkin

noun

nap·​kin ˈnap-kən 

1

: a small square of cloth or paper used during a meal to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes

2

: a small cloth or towel

Etymology

Middle English nappekin "napkin," from nappe "tablecloth," derived from Latin mappa "napkin" — related to apron, map

Medical Definition

napkin

noun

nap·​kin ˈnap-kən 

1

chiefly British : diaper

2

: sanitary napkin