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 lunches were also always served or packed nicely with cloth placemats, napkins, and silverware. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026

There were cloth dinner napkins all over the ground. —Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026

Hotel staff was refolding napkins, refilling water glasses and aides adjusted the teleprompter for his remarks. —Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Maroon napkins were strewn across the ballroom floor like confetti. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 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