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
: sanitary napkin

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.
Zebra tablecloths and napkins completed the safari theme, and the walls were decorated with faux magazine covers of Bradfield and his partner, auctioneer William Featherby. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 The tables were draped in salmon-pink tablecloths and ringed with bright red chairs, and each plate had a napkin folded into a swan. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Bieniemy has not returned with a back-of-the-napkin set of new plays. — Sam McDowell 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 In addition to women’s lifestyle apparel, the brand does kidswear and home, including a bedding assortment and such tabletop items as napkins, tablecloths, runners and place mats. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing napkin

Browse Nearby Words

napiform
napkin
napkin pattern
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Napkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/napkin. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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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
: sanitary napkin

More from Merriam-Webster on napkin

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