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.

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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

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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

Bargain US carrier Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in 2025 for the second time in a year, could be spared by a controversial potential White House rescue package.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

If you’ve already met your retirement goals — meaning you have enough money saved to live off for the rest of your life — taking the package and retiring could make sense, according to Zhao.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

The investigators have also asked about how firms package loans into different funds for big clients, such as pension funds, and for smaller investors, and whether that creates conflicts of interest, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

But you have far better protection if you book a package holiday, Boland says.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Hannah gestures with the package to the back of the van, offering the guys some Twizzlers.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

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