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 restaurant is bright inside, decorated with leather seating, wooden tables complete with utensils and napkins in mason jars. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026

My collection of Lisa Corti napkins bring a playful pop to the table, while servingware from Porta and Ginori 1735 adds a sense of elevated whimsy. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026

In one example, a system was asked to put four napkins on a couch. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026

At Mi Tierra and Pico de Gallo restaurants, black cloth napkins now cover Cesar Chavez's face on their iconic murals. —Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 20 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