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

In addition to women’s lifestyle apparel, the brand does kidswear and home, including a bedding assortment and such tabletop items as napkins, tablecloths, runners and place mats. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Remove from oven and use a napkin or cloth to press out any water from cheese mold. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Sacramento County Health Inspectors gave a red placard to a local pizzeria after observing an employee, with gloves on, grabbing a napkin and killing a cockroach then continuing to cook. — Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

The food Food is solid and plentiful, its impending arrival signaled by a flight attendant bringing down your tray table and laying upon it a white napkin-as-tablecloth. — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 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