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

People were bringing him fistfuls of cheap paper napkins to wad up right under his nose. —C. Mallon, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

The scalloped, circular shape departs from the traditional square shape of dinner napkins. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025

Tables will be pre-set, with a stack of plates and roll ups, the term for napkins rolled around a set of silverware. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025

Growing up, Ilitch refilled napkin dispensers and salt and pepper shakers in her father’s restaurant, according to Ilitch Holdings’ website. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 7 June 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