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

Dinner out for two, somewhere a little fancy with cloth napkins and candlelight, is the classic choice for a romantic occasion. —Erin Bunch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026

Those that dine here regularly get their own silver napkin ring engraved with their name. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, the two-tier lazy Susan costs just $10 and will keep everything—from spices and condiments to napkins—easy to find. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026

His mother, Ellen, wearing a gold top and black blazer, beamed with pride, holding a yellow napkin to dry her tears. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 28 Jan. 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