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 napkins come in a set of four, and each one is woven from 100 percent cotton for a soft texture and easy cleaning. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

Marks wrote her phone number on a piece of napkin, and a fast friendship formed over the following months. — Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026

Scott London Chester Designed by Jason Anderholm Chester began as a napkin sketch, created by Jason Anderholm, who went from electrician to showman. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Or do it the old-fashioned way and mail the authors your own napkin. — Harry Goldstein, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Aug. 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