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

Make Something New Get out the sewing machine and turn old pillowcases into laundry bags, aprons, dinner napkins, or smaller pillow covers. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

According to Moriggi, the wedding decor also included Wally with golden retriever wax seals on envelopes, and napkins with an image of a golden retriever swimming in a martini glass printed on them. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025

Whether made from cotton or linen, canvas or denim, these fabric napkins are absorbent and durable—the best ones are even machine washable for easy clean-up. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025

Serve with monogrammed napkins. —Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 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