napkin
word
/ˈnæpkɪn/
NAP-kin
/nˈæpkɪn/
NAP-kin
Definition
A napkin is a piece of cloth or paper used to wipe your mouth and hands while eating.
Usage & Nuances
In the US, 'napkin' is the standard term; in the UK, 'serviette' is also common. 'Paper napkin' or 'cloth napkin' clarifies the material. Do not confuse 'napkin' (for eating) with 'sanitary napkin' (for hygiene), which refers to feminine products.
Spanish: servilletaPortuguese (BR): guardanapoPortuguese (PT): guardanapoChinese (Simplified): 餐巾纸 - 餐巾Chinese (Traditional): 餐巾紙 - 餐巾Hindi: नेपकिन - रूमाल (खाने का)Arabic: منديل (طاولة)Bengali: ন্যাপকিন - রুমাল (খাবারের টেবিলে)Russian: салфеткаJapanese: ナプキンVietnamese: khăn ănKorean: 냅킨 - 식탁용 종이(천) 수건Turkish: peçeteUrdu: رومال (کھانے کے لیے)Indonesian: serbet - tisu makan
Example Sentences
Could you pass me a napkin?
basic
Oops, I spilled juice—good thing I had a napkin nearby.
natural
You can use a napkin to wrap leftover food if you don't have a container.
natural
I always grab an extra napkin—you never know when you'll need one.
natural
I wiped my hands with a napkin.
basic
Please put a napkin on your lap before you eat.
basic