package

American  

[pak-ij] / ˈpæk ɪdʒ /

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)

packaged, packaging

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 British  

/ 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

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• mispackage verb (used with object)
• mispackaged adjectivemispackaged, mispackaging
• packageable adjective
• subpackage noun
• unpackaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of package

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

Explanation

A package is a wrapped bundle or a container of something. If you order new socks online, they'll be delivered to your door in a package a few days later. A package might be wrapped in colorful wrapping paper, or it may simply be a container that holds an item or a collection of them, like a package of peppermints. To package is to enclose something in a box or other container: "You should package your brownies and sell them at the farmer's market!" Package stems either from the noun pack, or possibly from the Dutch pakkage, or "baggage."

Example Sentences

The Social Security trustees projected that this package of adjustments would keep the system solvent for the next 75 years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

"Looking back, it was a very basic package that didn't cover much at all," he says.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

The IMO’s Net Zero Framework is an aggressive regulatory package designed to push global shipping to net-zero emissions around 2050.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Losing my cushy tech compensation package was obviously a huge hit.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Swiftly I opened the package that Nollie had pressed into my hand with the first embrace.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• bag
• bottle
• box
• bundle
• can
• crate
• parcel
• tin
• wrap