napkin

American  

[nap-kin] / ˈnæp kɪn /

noun

1. a small piece of cloth or paper, usually square, for use in wiping the lips and fingers and to protect the clothes while eating.

2. sanitary napkin.

3. Chiefly British. a diaper.

4. Scot. and North England. a handkerchief.

5. Scot. a kerchief or neckerchief.

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napkin British  

/ ˈnæpkɪn /

noun

1. Also called: table napkin.  a usually square piece of cloth or paper used while eating to protect the clothes, wipe the mouth, etc; serviette

2. rare a similar piece of cloth used for example as a handkerchief or headscarf

3. a more formal name for nappy 1

4. a less common term for sanitary towel

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Etymology

Origin of napkin

1350–1400; Middle English, equivalent to nape tablecloth (< Middle French nappe < Latin mappa napkin) + -kin; map

Example Sentences

Something you accept with a paper napkin under fluorescent lighting and a murmur of gratitude.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Anyone could have written that down on a cocktail napkin for free in 2009!

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026

"The contract which used to be written on the back of a napkin is now an investment by a series of stakeholders," Maguire said.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

Upon returning to the bar, Reid said she saw a napkin placed on top of her drink.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Ma shook her head, putting a napkin over his plate and setting it in the oven.

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye

Related Words

• cloth
• towel