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

"You don't need to worry about the packaging. We guarantee you safe delivery."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2024

"The market is just flooded with plastics and plastic packaging. In the case of takeout, the only choice the consumer can really make is to just not order, which hurts businesses," she says.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2023

He noted the group’s funding comes from companies “that are actually making the products and packaging. They don’t really like the preventative story because it impacts their bottom line.”

From Reuters • Sep. 16, 2021

"Before, I was just looking for good packaging. But it wasn't until I threw the idea of 'success' out the window that I could start writing about my fears and have a real message."

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2015

“It was fun to see even what they’re doing with packaging. Especially the local people — to see what they do and talk to them about the stores that they sell in.”

From Washington Post