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

She glances between our faces, then busies herself refilling the napkin holders on the counter, bracelets of silver and turquoise clinking against the metal.

From Literature

She drops some extra napkins on the table and turns to the people at the table next to us.

From Literature

Flustered, but flattered, Dianne is preparing to sign a napkin when the fan explains that she especially liked the sitcom “Bless This Mess.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Father polished his glasses with his napkin and started to read, his deep voice lingering lovingly over the words.

From Literature

Related Words

• cloth
• towel