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Synonyms

packed

American  
[pakt] / pækt /

adjective

  1. filled to capacity; full.

    They've had a packed theater for every performance.

  2. pressed together; dense; compressed.

    packed snow.

  3. abundantly supplied with a specified element (used in combination).

    an action-packed movie.


packed British  
/ pækt /

adjective

  1. completely filled; full

    a packed theatre

  2. (of a picnic type of meal) prepared and put in a container or containers beforehand; prepacked

    a packed lunch

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of packed

First recorded in 1770–80; pack 1 + -ed 2

Explanation

Anything that's packed is either tightly compressed or extremely crowded, like the packed auditorium during your school's annual talent show. Use this adjective for things that are squeezed or pressed together, like a packed snowball or a packed cup of brown sugar. It's also useful for talking about overcrowded spaces of any kind, from a packed house at your band's show to a packed calendar that leaves you no time to catch up on your favorite TV show. A packed suitcase, on the other hand, is ready to go but not necessarily overstuffed.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Packed with illustrations and full of attractions on every page, these selections will delight readers of all ages and interests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Packed with 100 photographs, the book is “an in-depth look into my approach to the journey, built on preparation, growth, creativity, connection, mindfulness, and finding joy in everything along the way,” the sports icon says.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2025

Packed crowds, British feel-good energy and the emergence of 'Boultucanu' - the historic women's tournament at Queen's has delivered.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2025

Packed full of cobalt, nickel and manganese, these ancient formations are now valuable: the metals go into batteries that power modern life, from electric cars to mobile phones.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2024

Packed nearly to the ceiling with couches, fridges, and rolled-up carpets, the TV room undulated with kids trying to find and haul away their stuff.

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green