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

Eventually, Whitney throws her napkin and storms out of the luncheon, as Real Housewives are wont to do. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

There’s still a time and place for the pristine glassware, fancy silver, and perfectly arranged centerpieces, but no one is going to judge you if there’s a little dust bunny in the corner or for choosing paper napkins over linen. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025

Available now and starting at $140, the table linen collection includes a napkin set as well a tablecloth in either a rectangular or square silhouette. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2025

To-go boxes, chopsticks, napkins and moist towelettes are all emblazoned with the SYC logo. —Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 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