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 sturdy rings keep my cloth napkins perfectly in place, and the long tails add extra flair draped along the table. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

Continue cutting and pasting napkin pieces until your ornament is fully covered. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025

Stained Linens Cloth napkins, tablecloths, stockings, throw pillows, tree skirts, dish towels, placemats, bedding, and other linens should be in good shape. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

And for the consummate dinner-party host, adorable tomato-print cloth napkins that bring just the right amount of whimsy to a tablescape. —Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Refinery29, 15 Dec. 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