napkins
word · lemma: napkin
Definition
Pieces of cloth or paper used during meals to wipe the hands and mouth and protect clothing. In British English, 'nappy' is the word for a baby's diaper, historically derived from 'napkin'.
Usage & Nuances
American English uses 'napkin' for all table napkins. British English distinguishes between 'napkin' (cloth, formal) and 'serviette' (paper, informal — though some consider 'serviette' non-U). 'Cocktail napkin' is a small napkin served with drinks. Idiom: 'back-of-the-napkin calculation' means a rough estimate.
Example Sentences
Could you pass me some napkins, please?
basic
She folded the napkins into decorative shapes for the dinner party.
basic
The restaurant puts cloth napkins on every table.
basic
He jotted the idea down on a cocktail napkin — that sketch eventually became a billion-dollar company.
natural
We ran out of napkins halfway through the barbecue, and things got messy fast.
natural
She tucked the napkin into her collar like a bib before digging into the lobster.
natural