First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
napkin
noun nap·kin \ˈnap-kən\
: a small piece of cloth or paper used during a meal to clean your lips and fingers and to protect your clothes
Full Definition of NAPKIN
1
: a piece of material (as cloth or paper) used at table to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes
2
: a small cloth or towel: as a dial British : handkerchief b chiefly Scottish : kerchief c chiefly British : diaper 3
3
See napkin defined for English-language learners
See napkin defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of NAPKIN
Middle English nappekin, from nape tablecloth, from Anglo-French, from Latin mappa napkin
NAPKIN Defined for Kids
napkin
noun nap·kin \ˈnap-kən\
Definition of NAPKIN for Kids
: a small piece of cloth or paper used when eating to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes
Medical Dictionary
napkin
noun nap·kin \ˈnap-kən\
Learn More About NAPKIN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: napkin patternPrevious Word in the Dictionary: napiformAll Words Near: napkin
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up napkin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).