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 new accessories collection includes key rings, luggage tags, passport covers, card holders, coasters, placemats, notebook and diary covers, zip pouches, bookmarks, napkin holders, desk accessories and a structured briefcase. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

Hosts are treating the tablescape as a love language and bringing back small rituals like candles, cloth napkins, good china on a random weeknight and a toast before the first bite. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026

Candles, cloth napkins, good china on a random Tuesday and a toast before the first bite have become a kind of love language. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

Only the paper plates and napkins were disposable. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 20 June 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