napkin
A square piece of cloth or paper used while eating to protect clothes and wipe the mouth or fingers. It is typically placed on the lap or on the table next to the plate.
Examples
3 of 5Can you please pass me a napkin to clean this spill?
Could you give me a small square of paper to clean this mess?
The waiter carefully placed a linen napkin on the guest's lap.
The server put a high-quality cloth on the person's legs.
I'll just grab a napkin from the kitchen to wipe my hands.
I am going to take a paper wipe from the kitchen.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of NAP-kin: you use it when food might fall on your LAP while you are taking a 'nap' (rest) from eating.
Quick Quiz
Please use a ______ to wipe your mouth after you finish your soup.
Correct!
The correct answer is: napkin
Examples
Can you please pass me a napkin to clean this spill?
everydayCould you give me a small square of paper to clean this mess?
The waiter carefully placed a linen napkin on the guest's lap.
formalThe server put a high-quality cloth on the person's legs.
I'll just grab a napkin from the kitchen to wipe my hands.
informalI am going to take a paper wipe from the kitchen.
The design of the biodegradable napkin was discussed in the environmental science lecture.
academicThe creation of eco-friendly wipes was talked about in class.
We need to order more branded napkins for the upcoming corporate gala.
businessWe must buy more napkins with our company logo for the party.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on the back of a napkin
A phrase describing a quick, informal sketch or plan.
sanitary napkin
An absorbent pad worn by women during menstruation.
fold a napkin
To bend the cloth into a decorative shape for the table.
Often Confused With
A tissue is generally used for the nose, while a napkin is specifically for eating.
A handkerchief is a personal cloth for blowing the nose, not for use at the dinner table.
Usage Notes
In American English, 'napkin' is the standard term for both paper and cloth versions. In British English, 'serviette' is often used for paper ones, while 'napkin' is considered more formal or used for cloth.
Common Mistakes
Learners often call it a 'tissue' when they are at a restaurant, but 'napkin' is the correct term for mealtime use.
Memory Tip
Think of NAP-kin: you use it when food might fall on your LAP while you are taking a 'nap' (rest) from eating.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle English word 'nappe' (tablecloth) combined with the suffix '-kin' (little).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, it is considered polite to place your napkin on your lap immediately upon sitting down at a dining table.
Quick Quiz
Please use a ______ to wipe your mouth after you finish your soup.
Correct!
The correct answer is: napkin
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Food words
snack
A1A snack is a small amount of food eaten between main meals such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is typically something quick to prepare and easy to consume when you feel a little hungry.
cup
A1A small, open container used for drinking liquids, usually featuring a handle. It can also refer to a specific unit of measurement used in cooking and baking.
glass
A1A container made of glass, without a handle, used for drinking liquids. It also refers to the hard, clear, breakable material used to make windows and bottles.
fork
A1A tool with a handle and several narrow metal points used for picking up and eating food. It is one of the most common utensils found in a kitchen or restaurant setting.
spoon
A1A kitchen tool with a shallow bowl at the end of a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serving food. It is most commonly used for liquids like soup or small foods like rice and cereal.
waiter
A1A person, usually a man, who works in a restaurant and serves food and drinks to customers at their tables. They take orders, answer questions about the menu, and provide the bill at the end of the meal.
salty
A1Salty describes a taste that is like salt or contains a lot of salt. It is one of the five basic tastes and is commonly used to describe snacks, sea water, or food that has been seasoned heavily.
sandwich
A1A sandwich is a food item typically consisting of vegetables, sliced cheese or meat, placed on or between slices of bread. It is a popular type of lunch food, often taken to work, school, or picnics because it is easy to carry and eat.
chocolate
A1Chocolate is a sweet, usually brown food made from roasted and ground cacao seeds. It is typically sold as a candy bar or used as a flavor in various desserts and drinks.
honey
A1Honey is a sweet, thick liquid that bees make from the nectar of flowers. It is commonly used as a natural sweetener in cooking, baking, and drinks like tea.
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