serviette

[ sur-vee-et ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a table napkin.

serviette

/ ˌsɜːvɪˈɛt /

noun

1. a small square of cloth or paper used while eating to protect the clothes, wipe the mouth and hands, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of serviette¹

1480–90; < Middle French, equivalent to servi ( r ) to serve + -ette -ette; for the formation, oubliette

Word History and Origins

Origin of serviette¹

C15: from Old French, from servir to serve ; formed on the model of oubliette

Example Sentences

The man held the dusty neck with a serviette, drew the cork, and filled two glasses.

From Project Gutenberg

With three forks, a serviette ring, and a plate, one may improvise a stand for a soup tureen or water carafe.

From Project Gutenberg

The boys also work in ivory, turning serviette rings with great accuracy and skill.

From Project Gutenberg

No linen could have been more faultlessly laundered than Jerome's; no serviette more neatly folded.

From Project Gutenberg

A tiny serviette had been over the sandwiches, and was still there beside the plate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cloth
• towel