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

I took the imperative “there should be napkins, too, real ones” seriously and raided the nearby Goodwill’s linen section, lucking into a dozen identical crisp white serviettes.

From Salon

I use a serviette that has been left on the side to wipe down the plate and then my face, then make my way back along the narrow corridors and into the restaurant.

From Salon

“I say this with so much love and affection, but I feel like we’re doing up a house together and he’s like, ‘Look at this serviette that I fashioned into the shape of two swans!

From New York Times

Or it may be their wish to imply that they’re still so young and hip that it is laughable for them to be, say, ironing the serviettes before a dinner party.

From Time

Would I even have trouble tossing these serviettes streaked with memories?

From Salon

Related Words

• cloth
• towel