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 calledtable 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

And there are the napkins, straws, produce, kitchenware, even the light fixtures, many of which are imported from China.

From Los Angeles Times

One of Hockney’s first drives to Los Angeles was a cross-country dash with a pal: Brian Epstein had written on a napkin in Chicago inviting Hockney to see the Beatles in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

When she entered the room, they leaped to their feet, whooped, cheered and waved napkins in the air.

From Los Angeles Times

He tucked a large napkin over his Ecuador soccer jersey.

From Los Angeles Times

On his way, he spots a stray napkin and a water glass out of place.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cloth
• towel