package

[ pak-ij ]

noun

1. a bundle of something, usually of small or medium size, that is packed and wrapped or boxed; parcel.
2. a container, as a box or case, in which something is or may be packed.

   Synonyms: carton

3. something conceived of as a compact unit having particular characteristics:

   That child is a package of mischief.

4. the packing of goods, freight, etc.
5. a finished product contained in a unit that is suitable for immediate installation and operation, as a power or heating unit.
6. a group, combination, or series of related parts or elements to be accepted or rejected as a single unit.
7. a complete program produced for the theater, television, etc., or a series of these, sold as a unit.

verb (used with object)

, pack·aged, pack·ag·ing.

1. to make or put into a package.
2. to design and manufacture a package for (a product or series of related products):

   They package their soaps in eye-catching wrappers.

3. to group or combine (a series of related parts) into a single unit.
4. to combine the various elements of (a tour, entertainment, etc.) for sale as a unit.

package

/ ˈpækɪdʒ /

noun

1. any wrapped or boxed object or group of objects
2. 1. a proposition, offer, or thing for sale in which separate items are offered together as a single or inclusive unit
   2. ( as modifier )

      a package holiday

      a package deal

3. a complete unit consisting of a number of component parts sold separately
4. the act or process of packing or packaging
5. computing a set of programs designed for a specific type of problem in statistics, production control, etc, making it unnecessary for a separate program to be written for each problem
6. another word for pack 1

verb

1. to wrap in or put into a package
2. to design and produce a package for (retail goods)
3. to group (separate items) together as a single unit
4. to compile (complete books) for a publisher to market

Other Words From

• package·a·ble adjective
• mis·package verb (used with object) mispackaged mispackaging
• mis·packaged adjective
• sub·package noun
• un·packaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of package¹

First recorded in 1605–15, package is from the Dutch word pakkage “baggage.” See pack ¹, -age

Synonym Study

Package, pack, packet, parcel refer to a bundle or to something fastened together. A package is a bundle of things packed and wrapped: a package from the drugstore. A pack is a large bundle or bale of things put or fastened together, usually wrapped up or in a bag, case, etc., to be carried by a person or a beast of burden: a peddler's pack. A packet, originally a package of letters or dispatches, is a small package or bundle: a packet of gems. A parcel is an object or objects wrapped up to form a single, small bundle: a parcel containing two dresses.

Example Sentences

If you are booking a coach package, the next step will be to choose the time, date and place you will depart from.

From BBC

Lee Davis was a prison officer from 2006 until 2010, during which time he regularly supplied cannabis, steroids and phones to inmates, getting paid £400-500 for every package he delivered.

From BBC

After agreeing to take the first package, he describes a “snowball effect”.

From BBC

“It then became two, and three," he says, "then after package four it was purely about the money.”

From BBC

Amazon also recently scored a deal to stream a package of NBA games.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bundle
• lot
• package deal
• set
• unit