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.
Linens Avoid putting oven mitts, fabric pot holders, dish towels, or cloth napkins in the oven drawer. Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026 The design takes inspiration from a bolo tie and ties back to Hill’s Colorado wedding, when the napkins were fastened with the neckwear. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2026 At one point, Mallach pulled out a pen and made two drawings on a napkin. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 The days of the back of a napkin are over. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 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 6 Apr. 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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