Definition

Noun: A small, usually rectangular piece of cloth or paper used during a meal to wipe one's fingers, lips, and to protect one's clothing from spills. It is a synonym for "napkin."

Usage

A serviette is a standard item on a dining table, placed beside or on the dinner plate. It is used for personal hygiene during and after eating. - Formal vs. Informal: The term "serviette" is more common in British English and some Commonwealth countries, while "napkin" is preferred in American English and often in more formal contexts. - Material: Serviettes can be made of cloth (for formal dining) or paper (for casual meals or picnics).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Fold a serviette": Refers to the art of arranging a cloth napkin into decorative shapes for a formal table setting.
  • The waiter expertly folded the linen serviette into a lotus shape.
• "Paper serviette": Explicitly specifies a disposable napkin.
  • We used paper serviettes for the children's birthday party to make cleanup easier.

Variants and Related Words

• Napkin (n): The most direct synonym. In American English, "napkin" is the standard term for both cloth and paper versions.
• Table linen (n): A broader category that includes serviettes/napkins, tablecloths, and placemats.
• Dinner napkin (n): A larger cloth serviette used for formal evening meals.

Synonyms

• Napkin: The primary synonym.
• Table napkin: A more formal term.
• Wiper (archaic/less common): An old-fashioned term for a napkin.

Related Phrases

• "Tuck your serviette into your collar": An instruction, often humorous or for messy food, to place the napkin over one's chest for protection.
  • When eating lobster, it's wise to tuck your serviette into your collar.
• "On one's serviette": A humorous or informal way to say an idea was noted down quickly on whatever was available.
  • I jotted the brilliant idea on my serviette during lunch. (This usage treats the serviette as a makeshift notepad.)

Noun

1. a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing