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.
Instead of ketchup, sriracha bottles sit alongside tins of chopsticks and stainless steel napkin dispensers on every table. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 17 July 2025 The napkins are wax paper, usefully doubling as plates. Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025 In landfills, the breakdown of paper towels, paper napkins, and other organic matter happens in low-oxygen (anaerobic) conditions, which releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025 The same principle applies to fast-food napkins: Some restaurants give you enough to mop up a whole cup of overpriced soda. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 July 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 25 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on napkin

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