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

Here are the 2026 titles we jotted down quickly on the back of a cocktail napkin.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then she’s made vases, pots and napkin holders, among other items.

From The Wall Street Journal

"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

I grab some brown napkins from a table, and I’m dabbing at my hair when Kendrick comes up.

From Literature

Fancy cocktail napkins are a big seller, as are specialty jellies in flavors like hot pepper and cinnamon pear.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cloth
• towel