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

Items such as a plastic tablecloth and small plates or napkins can also be added to create a festive celebration. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

But now the generation blamed for killing whole industries (everything from napkins to American cheese) is old enough and tired enough to see our favorites brought back to life. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

Defendants built a dedicated retail storefront around it, launched collaborations with numerous national brands, and filed a trademark application across fourteen international classes, covering everything from disposable napkins to ponchos. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026

The camera returned one more time to show the mom placing a second spoon into her cup and wiping off excess dripping from the sides with a napkin. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 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