Tissue vs. napkin: what’s the difference?
The short answer
A tissue is generally softer and used for personal hygiene, like wiping the face or blowing the nose. A napkin is typically thicker than tissue, used at dining tables for wiping hands and mouth. Napkins can also be made from cloth.
What they have in common
Both tissue and napkin refer to products commonly used for hygiene purposes, can be used to clean or wipe surfaces, and are usually made of paper. They are often disposable and used in everyday life, particularly in settings involving food and cleanliness.
Examples
tissue
- She pulled a tissue from the box to wipe her tears.
- Can you pass me a tissue? I’ve spilled some water.
- He always carries a pack of tissues in his bag.
napkin
- He placed a napkin on his lap before starting his meal.
- The waiter brought a fresh napkin with the utensils.
- She quickly wiped her hands with a napkin after finishing the food.
Which one is more common?
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us