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napkin ring

American  

noun

  1. a ring or band of metal, wood, plastic, etc., through which a folded napkin is inserted, often as part of a place setting.


Etymology

Origin of napkin ring

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He proposed to Elayyne during one of her prison visits, with a paper napkin ring.

From Slate May 2, 2026

“I love tucking rosemary sprigs in the napkin ring, or even as the ring itself. It looks and smells lovely.”

From Seattle Times Oct. 27, 2023

Sounds like a DIY napkin ring to me.

From Salon Nov. 13, 2021

Vsauce has a fun video about the napkin ring problem, a surprising application of the technique.

From Scientific American Jan. 6, 2018

He picked up his wooden napkin ring and thrust his forefinger through it.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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