Napkin

/ˈnæpkɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the hands or lips and to protect the clothes.

She placed a napkin on her lap before starting to eat.

A piece of paper or cloth for cleaning the mouth and hands while eating.

He reached for a napkin to clean up the spill from his drink.

A folded or rolled paper or cloth used for serving food, often found at restaurants.

The waiter brought a neatly folded napkin with the silverware.

From Middle French 'naperon', diminutive of 'nape', from Latin 'mappa' (cloth).

napkin ring

A circular band that holds a folded napkin.

paper napkin

A napkin made of paper, usually disposable.

cloth napkin

A reusable napkin made of fabric.

serviette

A term commonly used in British English for a napkin.

tablecloth

A cloth spread over a table for protection and decoration.

wiping cloth

A cloth used for wiping surfaces.

To wrap or cover something, similar to how a napkin is used.

I'm going to napkin this sandwich to keep it from dripping.

A term used to describe something as unnecessary or extra.

Stop being so napkin about it, just eat your food!