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 3

3

: sanitary napkin

Examples of napkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On a steakhouse cocktail napkin, as one ICE official would recall, a plan was sketched out. —Brent McDonald, New York Times, 31 July 2025

Off-Price Retailers Places like TJMaxx, HomeGoods, or Marshalls offer affordable table runners, napkins, shower curtains, and bedding that can be reimagined. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025

See for yourself All of this fame, success and admiration from associates, friends and family stemmed from notes scribbled on a cocktail napkin. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025

As for the dessert, the OP said guests were left to eat it without plates, forks or napkins because the buffet equipment had been cleared. —Erin Clack, People.com, 21 July 2025

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