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

Then, when Meyers posted the video of Law’s napkin antics on Instagram, fans immediately began wildly speculating Law was confirming a sequel. —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024

After Annie took the order and left, McArdle slid the menu back behind the napkin holder and looked out the window into the darkness. —Greg Borowski, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024

To reheat a tamale, wrap it in a wet disposable napkin to lock in the masa's moisture. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024

The assailant then raped the victim before fleeing southbound on Virginia Ave., cops said, adding that afterward, Williams approached a nearby food truck vendor and asked for napkins. —Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 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