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

On the dining room table, layer rattan place mats with a linen tablecloth and cloth napkins. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025

Elon Musk and fellow businessman Vivek Ramaswamy on the day the Department of Government Efficiency became public were at one of the club's bars, scratching out thoughts on a napkin. —Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2025

Pottery Barn Tava Handwoven Napkin Holder $50 Pottery Barn A pretty rattan napkin holder sends a message that your kitchen is curated. —Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 3 Jan. 2025

The theme matched their signature Texan vibe with cutlery with wooden handles, black and white gingham napkins and plenty of cowboy hats. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 30 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