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 smoky beef from chili paired beautifully with the creamy, sharp pimento cheese, creating the type of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that requires extra napkins. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

These eye-catching napkins also come in olive green, a rich and warm earth tone that can make your fall decor feel more inviting. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026

Kim is working the floor every night, touching each table with a hello or a smile or a friendly retrieval of a fallen napkin. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 26 July 2026

Southside Minneapolis is home to this three-napkin burger famous for its molten cheese center. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 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