packaging

American  

[pak-uh-jing] / ˈpæk ə dʒɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of packing or forming packages.

   At the end of the production line is a machine for packaging.

2. the package in which merchandise is sold or displayed.

   Attractive packaging can help sell a product.

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packaging British  

/ ˈpækɪdʒɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the box or wrapping in which a product is offered for sale

   2. the design of such a box or wrapping, esp with reference to its ability to attract customers

2. the presentation of a person, product, television programme, etc, to the public in a way designed to build up a favourable image

3. the work of a packager

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Etymology

Origin of packaging

First recorded in 1870–75; package + -ing ¹

Explanation

Packaging is the material used to enclose, protect, and even promote things that are for sale. It’s all about presentation. If you’re having trouble selling lemonade out of an old pickle jar, perhaps you should change the packaging. Walk through a supermarket or a drug store and you'll see many different kinds of packaging, from hard plastic medicine bottles to cardboard cereal boxes and glass jars of spaghetti sauce. You can call the act or business of putting all these items into containers packaging too. There's also a figurative meaning of this noun, "presenting something in a flattering or beneficial way," as in: "The advisors' packaging of the candidate makes him seem much smarter."

Example Sentences

International Paper, Smurfit WestRock and Packaging Corp. of America fall 6.3%, 5.2% and 5.5% premarket.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Packaging Corp. and International Paper separately announced plans earlier this year to raise prices on containerboard by $70 a ton in March.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

Packaging for repeat runs, he said, is typically less flashy — little more than the cards hanging off a peg on a store shelf.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026

Novolex Holdings LLC, Inteplast Group Corp. and Mettler Packaging LLC did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025

Grinding and Packaging It is a curious fact that green coffee improves upon aging, whereas after roasting it deteriorates with time.

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)