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 1

3

: sanitary napkin

Examples of napkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Joanna Gaines' Magnolia has newness easing into fall, including antique gold accent decor, brown plaid pillows and green plaid quilts, floral serving bowls and pitchers, block print napkin sets, stoneware brie bakers and more. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

Trainees make items such as bathrobes, napkins and table mats for the lodge and for guests to purchase. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Decoupage Seashell Trinket Trays Transform shells into decorative catchalls using decoupage techniques and dollar-store paper napkins. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026

Payne’s father, Stewart, a former Marine drill instructor, had been dabbing his eyes with a napkin. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

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