napkin

noun

nap·​kin ˈnap-kən How to pronounce napkin (audio)
1
: a piece of material (such as cloth or paper) used at table to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes
2
: a small cloth or towel: such as
a
dialectal British : handkerchief
b
chiefly Scotland : kerchief
c
chiefly British : diaper sense 3
3

Examples of napkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Growing up, Ilitch refilled napkin dispensers and salt and pepper shakers in her father’s restaurant, according to Ilitch Holdings’ website. Megan Sauer, CNBC, 7 June 2025 Pro tip: Gift these at a future gathering with a set of fabric napkins and the host’s favorite spirit. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 1 June 2025 Then the actor pinned the napkin to her head, and voila. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025 The napkin under my gin martini had a poodle in the bottom right corner, and when the dessert cart came, it was done up with petit-fours and truffles arranged on what looked to be wax paper with sketches of purple poodles. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for napkin

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nappekin, from nape tablecloth, from Anglo-French, from Latin mappa napkin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of napkin was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Napkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/napkin. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

napkin

noun
nap·​kin ˈnap-kən How to pronounce napkin (audio)
1
: a small square of cloth or paper used during a meal to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes
2
: a small cloth or towel
Etymology

Middle English nappekin "napkin," from nappe "tablecloth," derived from Latin mappa "napkin" — related to apron, map

Medical Definition

napkin

noun
nap·​kin ˈnap-kən How to pronounce napkin (audio)
1
chiefly British : diaper
2

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