Napkin
/ˈnæp.kɪn/noun
A small cloth or paper used for wiping the mouth and hands while eating.
Did you know?Napkin comes from a diminutive of Middle English nappe, meaning a tablecloth or cloth covering, ultimately from Old French nappe, which traces back to Latin mappa, a cloth or napkin.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
mappa
“A cloth, towel, or napkin.”
Old French
Old French
nappe
“A tablecloth or cloth covering.”
Middle English
Middle English
nappe
“A cloth or table covering.”
Middle English
Middle English
napkin
“A small cloth, especially for wiping the hands or mouth at table.”
Modern English
English
napkin
“A small cloth or disposable paper used at meals.”