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

Pair with gingham napkins and a long picnic table to complete the barnyard look. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2025

Add fresh linen napkins, small bouquets of seasonal flowers, and some candles to the table for ambiance. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025

Even though Dina was only in elementary school at the time, Peter pulled out a pen and started scribbling numbers and equations on a napkin. —Jenni Carlson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

Roberts sketched a diagram of a possible network on a napkin and met with his team to propose a design. —ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 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