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

In 2013, two entrepreneurs delivered a message on a napkin to Madrid’s president Florentino Perez. —Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025

Alba Melamine Platter This melamine platter comes in a new Alba pattern and matches other dining items from the collection—there's even a coordinating napkin set! —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025

The Bluebird team focuses on blending the natural beauty of Colorado into their events with details like river rock place cards and embossed leather napkin holders, always with an eye toward keeping its affairs eco-friendly. —Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025

Like a good tomato sandwich, this can be juicy, so have napkins ready or just eat it over the sink. —Margaret Eby, Bon Appétit, 5 Feb. 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