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

The lawsuit includes multiple photos of bugs on Garcia's sweater, as well as what appears to be bugs on a napkin with the airline's name on it. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025

Take a tissue or napkin and dab gently against the lips to remove any excess pigment. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025

Joined on stage by his wife of 43 years, Jayni, Chase was seen pausing multiple times throughout his conversation with comedian Tony Deyo to heavily cough into a napkin. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025

The images in the suit include a photo of a KLM drink napkin covered in what appears to be dead bugs. —Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 24 Dec. 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