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

Before getting up, the girls sneakily wrap their cake slices in napkins and hide them under their chairs. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 13 May 2025

New guests are given a red napkin instead of a white one, signaling staff to provide VIP treatment. —Mina Elias, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

It can also be used as a road trip kit stocked with napkins, utensils, first aid items and cleaning supplies. Suction cup organizer. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 May 2025

Flip and cook for 1 minute, periodically pressing gently with a linen napkin or towel. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 27 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