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

As the story goes, the resort’s roots go back to 1967, when real estate developer Donald Soffer drew his vision for an upscale residential enclave on the back of a cocktail napkin. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026

Setting up a complete coffee station with sweeteners, stirrers, creamers, snack items and napkins is a good idea as well. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Each poem, each sketch, each handwritten journal entry in a notebook or dashed on a napkin is an act of resistance. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

About 16 flies played on a storage-area shelf with clean equipment, single-use gloves and napkins. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 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