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

Fabric Items Whether a set of kitchen napkins or a bathroom guest towel, fabrics are typically easy to wash while adding pattern and color to a space. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024

Supplies: Acrylic paint Paint pens Cloth napkins Steps: After painting a child's hand or foot in colors of their choosing, press them onto the cloth napkin. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Nov. 2024

While the audio was often sharp, the videos were erratic, treating jurors to a lengthy view of the drop ceiling in Madigan’s law office and a close-up look at Solis’ hands fidgeting with a napkin. —Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 25 Nov. 2024

If your napkin comes up soiled with a black, brown, or green substance, that’s not a good sign. —Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 17 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