napkin

[nap-kin]

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.

napkin

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of napkin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of napkin¹

C15: from Old French, from nape tablecloth, from Latin mappa small cloth, towel; see _map

Example Sentences

Danso sets the table for nine, occasionally checking napkin positioning and straightening utensils.

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They opened the folded napkins Mrs. Clarke had wrapped their tasty treasures in and put all four cakes in the middle of the circle for closer examination.

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“Save room for dessert,” Miss Mortimer said, dabbing her lips with a napkin.

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She dabbed her eyes with the corner of her napkin.

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She unfolded her crisp white napkin and placed it neatly across her lap.

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Related Words

• cloth 
• towel