serviette

A serviette is a napkin used at meals to wipe the hands and mouth. It can be made from cloth or paper and is typically placed on the lap during dining, or used to dab the mouth as needed. Cloth serviettes are usually made of linen or cotton, while disposable paper serviettes are common for informal settings and take-out meals. Sizes vary, with traditional table serviettes often around 12 to 20 inches square, sometimes folded or arranged with decorative elements such as borders or napkin rings.

Etymology and usage vary by region. The word derives from the French serviette, literally a small item used to serve or attend to a guest. In British English, serviette is the standard term for a napkin, whether cloth or paper, while American English typically uses napkin. In some contexts, particularly in Commonwealth countries, both terms may be encountered, and distinctions between cloth and paper forms are sometimes implied by calling one a cloth serviette or a paper serviette.

History and etiquette. Napkins have a long history in European dining, with cloth serviettes becoming common among the well-to-do in early modern and modern periods. Etiquette guidelines emphasize proper placement and handling: the napkin is unfolded and placed on the lap before eating; it is used discreetly to blot or wipe, not as a tissue, and it should be left on the chair or table if leaving the dining area briefly.

See also: napkin, table setting, linen.