napkin

noun

nap·​kin ˈnap-kən How to pronounce napkin (audio)
Synonyms of napkinnext
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 1
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.
Innovation remains an ongoing part of the company’s identity, guided by the same curiosity that inspired the original sketch on a napkin. William Jones, USA Today, 15 June 2026 At Marin’s home, McNulty allegedly used his credit cards, changed the locks while he was hospitalized and flushed cloth napkins down the toilet, clogging the pipes, Vanity Fair reported. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 When using beverage dispensers, use a clean napkin or your sleeve to press the buttons. Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 Americana Napkins No Fourth of July party is complete without festive napkins. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 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 20 Jun. 2026.

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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