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)

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

/ 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 Word Forms

• 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

It covers items such as sandwiches and cured meats as well as raw meats and milk "regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free".

From BBC

An estimated 1.4 billion packages entered the US under this arrangement last year, up from 140 million in 2013, according to US customs authorities.

From BBC

The assault rifles and pistols arrived in Haiti stashed in two cardboard boxes, nestled among packages of food and clothes, on a cargo ship stacked with rust-red shipping containers.

From BBC

The restrictions apply regardless of whether the goods are packed or packaged, or bought from duty free.

From BBC

“It’s a total package, very effective,” Rabon told me after class.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bundle
• lot
• package deal
• set
• unit