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

Embroidered fans and napkins Today’s couples love all things customized, and Dua and Callum were no different. —Rebecca Cope, Vogue, 8 June 2026

Set the table like Ina with textured linen napkins for every guest. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

The plan was to pick up Nash, bring him to the restaurant and, once the interview was over, collect his napkins, plate, straw and other items for DNA testing. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 5 June 2026

Staff members used napkins and Styrofoam containers to collect the water from the leaks, according to the report. —Laura Strickler, NBC news, 3 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