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

The lingerers brought their dirty dishes to the bus tub, wiped their mouths one last time with a napkin, and waved to Cleo, their faces saying, Nice job! — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

Football Field Lunch Napkins When the wings are sticky and the ribs are saucy, napkins are needed. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2026

My napkin holder is four pieces of watermelon—two on each side with napkins sandwiched in the middle. — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 15 Sep. 2026

The Chiefs brought back Eric Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator, not because of his back-of-the-napkin play designs but because of that attention to detail. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 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