packet

American  

[pak-it] / ˈpæk ɪt /

noun

1. a small group or package of anything.

   a packet of letters.

2. Also called packet ship.  Also called packet boat,.  a small vessel that carries mail, passengers, and goods regularly on a fixed route, especially on rivers or along coasts.

3. Cards. a part of a pack of cards after being cut.

4. Informal. a large amount of money.

5. Computers. a relatively small unit of data sent over a network.

   Every email you send and web page you browse is transferred to and from your device in a series of packets.

6. British Slang.

   1. a painful blow or beating.

   2. misfortune or failure.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bind up in a package or parcel.

packet British  

/ ˈpækɪt /

noun

1. Usual US and Canadian word: package.   pack.  a small or medium-sized container of cardboard, paper, etc, often together with its contents

   a packet of biscuits

2. a small package; parcel

3. Also called: packet boat.  a boat that transports mail, passengers, goods, etc, on a fixed short route

4. slang a large sum of money

   to cost a packet

5. computing a unit into which a larger piece of data is broken down for more efficient transmission See also packet switching

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verb

1. (tr) to wrap up in a packet or as a packet

Related Words

See package .

Etymology

Origin of packet

First recorded in 1520–30; from Middle French pacquet, equivalent to pacqu(er) pack ¹ + -et -et

Explanation

A packet is a container or bundle, like the tiny packet of pretzels they give you on an airplane or the packet of papers a teacher takes home to grade over the weekend. The word packet was first used in the 15th century, from the Middle English pak, or "bundle. Dating back to Britain's Tudor era, packet ships were mail boats that carried bundles of letters overseas. This entire industry of mail service was known as the "packet trade." Today the word packet is more likely to conjure images of things in small paper containers that can be torn open, like the packets of soy sauce you get with your take-out dinner.

Example Sentences

She also had roles in Emmerdale and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

One woman on Hilton Head told the Island Packet newspaper that she looked out her window to find she had a pool crasher - a small gator enjoying the shallow end.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2024

At least four Marine recruits have died in recent years with 10 total deaths since 2000, the Island Packet reported.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 29, 2023

Bruce Iler, who lived next door to Becker and knew her for decades, told the Island Packet that she would be missed.

From Washington Post • Apr. 21, 2023

"Johanssen," Beck said, looking at his arm computer, "Watney's bio-monitor sent something before going offline. My computer just says 'Bad Packet.'"

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

• bag
• carton
• container
• envelope
• folder
• package
• parcel
• wrapper