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

Just don’t forget to grab lots of napkins—Fat Paulie’s sandwiches are notorious for being incredibly juicy. —Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

Consider organizing party goods, like paper plates and napkins, in the same fashion. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025

Investigators also noted a paper dinner napkin found near his body and that Antonio used dentures that were missing, per court documents. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

Other ideas that are popular with Southern guests include high-quality olive oil, specialty snacks, fresh bread, gourmet jam, or fun beverage napkins that can be enjoyed later or used at future events. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 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