dinner napkin

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Word: Dinner Napkin

Definition: A dinner napkin is a large piece of cloth or paper that you use at the table when you eat dinner. It is placed on your lap or next to your plate to keep your clothes clean and to wipe your mouth and hands while eating.

Usage Instructions:

1. Placement: You usually place the dinner napkin on your lap before you start eating.
2. Wiping: Use it to gently wipe your mouth and fingers if they get messy while eating.
3. Fold or Unfold: Dinner napkins can be folded in different ways for a nice presentation on the table.

Example:

• "When we sat down for dinner, I unfolded my dinner napkin and placed it on my lap."

Advanced Usage:

• In formal dining settings, the way you fold your dinner napkin can show your etiquette or style. Some people even create beautiful shapes with their napkins as a decorative touch.

Word Variants:

• Napkin: A general term for any kind of napkin used at meals.
• Table Napkin: Another term for a dinner napkin, often used interchangeably.

Different Meanings:

• The word "napkin" can also refer to smaller napkins used for lunch or snacks, but a dinner napkin is specifically for the main meal of the day.

Synonyms:

• Table napkin
• Serviette (used more commonly in British English)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "dinner napkin," but you might hear phrases like "dinner is served" when referring to the meal being ready, which often includes the use of a dinner napkin.

Summary:

A "dinner napkin" is an important part of dining etiquette, helping to keep you tidy while enjoying your meal.

Academic

Noun

1. a large napkin used when dinner is served