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

Cloth napkins are an old-school table touch that has become less common over the years, but these darling ones bring that timeless charm back in an easy, effortless way. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

For those hosting a dinner party, these cotton napkins elevate the affair with their quality and appearance. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026

Tiles and cards are necessary purchases for play, but punny cocktail napkins for game night, or keychains to signal your interest, or host gifts, are in demand too. —Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 10 Mar. 2026

At that meeting, the documents said, Merchant used a napkin and other objects to depict various assassination scenarios, quizzing Ali on how a target might be killed in each. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 Mar. 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