French word

serviette

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛʁvjɛt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounnapkin

Example

Donne-moi une serviette, s'il te plaît.

Give me a napkin, please.

Illustration for serviette (napkin)

More examples

Pose la serviette sur tes genoux avant de manger.

Place the napkin on your lap before eating.

Core concept

A small absorbent square placed at a meal to wipe the mouth or hands, made of paper for one use or cloth for repeated use.

Common phrases

  • serviette de table

    table napkin

  • serviette en papier

    paper napkin

  • serviette en tissu

    cloth napkin

Similar words

mouchoir: A small cloth or paper handkerchief carried for blowing the nose or wiping away sweat.
serviette de bain: A large towel used to dry the body or hair after bathing or showering.
essuie-tout: Disposable paper from a roll used to quickly wipe dirt or moisture from surfaces or hands.
torchon: A sturdy kitchen cloth used to remove dirt or moisture from dishes and counters.

Definition in French

Objet en tissu ou en papier destiné à essuyer la bouche et les mains à table, pouvant être jetable ou réutilisable.

Word origin

French serviette is formed from servir, 'to serve', with the diminutive suffix -ette, and came to name a small item used in table service.

Usage tips

  • The feminine noun takes une, and serviette de table means a napkin while serviette de bain means a bath towel.

Other meanings

  • towelnoun

Word lists with this word