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

The embroidery on a napkin, the rim of a cup, the scalloping of a plate all delight and surprise. —Ian Malone, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024

The cocktail bar’s whimsical children’s book illustrations inspired the bar area’s menus, napkins, and matchbooks. —Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Nov. 2024

Be sure to outfit your bar with festive cocktail napkins—reusable linen options feel elegant or select paper ones to suit the season—and cocktail picks for garnishes. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024

Flashes of red in cloth napkins and ruby hobnail glasses create design rhythm to guide the eye around the table. —Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

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