napkin
UK: ˈnæpkɪn | US: ˈnæpkɪn
n. a small piece of cloth or paper used at meals to protect clothing or wipe the mouth and fingers
n. (British) a diaper
n. (historical) a handkerchief
napkin = nap<cloth> + kin<diminutive suffix>
- nap<cloth>: Derived from Old French nape (tablecloth), from Latin mappa (cloth, towel).
- kin<diminutive suffix>: A diminutive suffix in Middle English, indicating a small or lesser version of something.
Etymology Origin:
The word napkin traces back to Latin mappa (cloth), which entered Old French as nape (tablecloth). In Middle English, the diminutive suffix -kin was added to form napkin, originally meaning "a small tablecloth." Over time, its meaning narrowed to refer to a smaller piece of cloth used for personal hygiene during meals. The British usage for "diaper" and the historical sense of "handkerchief" reflect its broader association with cloth items.
She folded her napkin neatly after finishing dinner.
The restaurant provided linen napkins for the guests.
(British) The baby’s napkin needed changing.
In the 18th century, gentlemen carried lace napkins as fashion accessories.
He absentmindedly twisted his napkin during the awkward conversation.