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 3

3

: sanitary napkin

Examples of napkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If your napkin is saturated in grease, soaking it in a diluted vinegar mixture will help remove the greasy feel and smell while also softening the fibers. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025

Ken was now quietly and roughly drying his fingers with the napkin. —Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025

Failing to remove large food residue, toothpicks, napkins, and other debris will quickly clog your dishwasher's filter and likely cause further damage. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

Kelsey, who was adopted as an infant, sketched out the design for her boxes on an airplane napkin. —Alana Semuels, Time, 8 Oct. 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