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

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Her job begins by collecting wholesale consignments from her anonymous paymasters, which she then weighs into smaller packages and hides around the city for their customers.

From Salon

But he, too, had to significantly scale back his sending and investment plans - touted as the Build Back Better package - after opposition from one of his own senators.

From BBC

Related Words

• bundle
• lot
• package deal
• set
• unit