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

Our ideal mood board features elegant white and silver tablecloths and plates, gold silverware, and notes of blue and green in the centerpieces and napkins. —Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026

Another lives in her dining room as easy access storage for items like candles and napkin rings, and a third can be found in her home office. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026

Martha Midgette, the founder and principal designer of Martha Midgette Designs in Raleigh, North Carolina, turns to Target for placemats, napkins, and more. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Doing a little napkin math here, sending the King of Monsters into space would be no mean feat. —Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 27 Feb. 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