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

Blot the stain with a white napkin or paper towel dipped in plain, cold water or rinse under a cold water faucet. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

Store spare glasses, napkins, trivets, and utensils in its concealer lower shelves; your decanter, bar tools, and jarred cocktail add-ins will fit perfectly on the top shelf, which features a pull-out door that doubles as extra table space. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2025

Four live roaches and two dead roaches were in storage cabinets on napkins, single service cups and bags. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025

Think extra napkins, tablecloths, candles, and serving utensils. —Essence, 14 Nov. 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