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

Those Starbucks napkins don’t stand a chance against a sticky soda spill in the backseat. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026

Are your little ones capable of reaching their cups, plates, forks, and napkins? —Alanna Gallo, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026

Tiffany Vice President Oscar Riedner sketched the trophy design on a napkin during a 1966 meeting with NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. —Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, 6 Feb. 2026

Prepare extra serving utensils in advance, and stock the end of your table with hosting essentials such as napkins and plates. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 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