How Do You Spell NAPKIN?

Pronunciation: [nˈapkɪn] (IPA)

The word "napkin" is spelled with five letters, yet its IPA phonetic transcription includes six sounds. The first three sounds are a voiced velar nasal "n," a short vowel "æ," and a voiceless bilabial plosive "p." The fourth sound is a voiced alveolar fricative "z," followed by a long vowel "i" and a voiced alveolar nasal "n." So, while the spelling of this word may appear straightforward, its phonetic transcription reveals the complex sounds involved in its pronunciation.

NAPKIN Meaning and Definition

  1. A napkin is a small, usually square or rectangular piece of cloth or paper used during meals to clean the mouth and hands or to protect clothing from spills or stains. It is designed to be convenient and easily portable while dining or eating.

    Napkins can be made from a variety of materials, such as cotton, linen, or paper, and are typically soft and absorbent to effectively clean and wipe away food particles and liquid spills. They come in different sizes and shapes, ranging from cocktail napkins, which are small and used for light refreshments or drinks, to larger dinner napkins, used for formal or elaborate meals.

    Often placed beside or on top of plates or arranged creatively on tables, napkins are essential table settings found in homes, restaurants, and various dining establishments. They serve not only functional purposes but also aesthetic purposes, enhancing the overall appearance of a table setting and contributing to a sense of refinement and elegance.

    In addition to their practicality during meals, napkins can also symbolize etiquette and hospitality. Offering a napkin or providing a clean one when needed is considered a polite gesture and demonstrates good manners. Furthermore, napkins are frequently adorned with decorative patterns, monograms, or motifs that reflect personal style or complement the theme of an event or occasion.

  2. A cloth used for wiping the hands or mouth at table; a handkerchief.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for NAPKIN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for NAPKIN

Etymology of NAPKIN

The word "napkin" can be traced back to the Middle English term "nappekin", which was derived from the Old French word "nape" meaning "tablecloth" and the diminutive suffix "-kin". "Nappe" itself originates from the Latin word "mappa", which referred to a small cloth or napkin used on the table. Over time, "napkin" specifically came to denote a small piece of fabric used for wiping the mouth or hands during meals.

Plural form of NAPKIN is NAPKINS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: