Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large napkin used when dinner is served. It is a piece of cloth or paper used to protect clothing and wipe the mouth and fingers during a formal or main evening meal.

Usage

• The word "dinner napkin" is a compound noun. It refers specifically to the napkin intended for use during dinner, typically implying a larger size than napkins used for other meals like lunch or breakfast.
• It is used in contexts describing table settings, formal dining, or meal service.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Please place a folded dinner napkin to the left of each fork.
  • The linen dinner napkins were embroidered with the family crest.
  • She discreetly wiped her lips with her dinner napkin.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be part of formal instructions or descriptions of etiquette.
  • Proper etiquette dictates that the dinner napkin should be placed on one's lap shortly after being seated.

Variants and Related Words

• Napkin (n): The general term for a piece of cloth or paper used at a table to wipe the mouth and hands. A "dinner napkin" is a type of napkin.
• Serviette (n): A synonym for napkin, more common in British English.
• Table napkin (n): A more general term that can be synonymous with "dinner napkin" but may also refer to napkins used for any meal.

Synonyms

• Table napkin: A cloth or paper for use at a table.
• Serviette: (Chiefly British) A table napkin.

Related Phrases

• To unfold one's napkin: The action of opening the napkin to place it on one's lap.
  • He unfolded his dinner napkin as the first course was served.
• Napkin ring: A ring used to hold a rolled or folded napkin.
  • The cloth dinner napkins were held by silver napkin rings.

Noun

1. a large napkin used when dinner is served