packed
Americanadjective
-
filled to capacity; full.
They've had a packed theater for every performance.
-
pressed together; dense; compressed.
packed snow.
-
abundantly supplied with a specified element (used in combination).
an action-packed movie.
adjective
-
completely filled; full
a packed theatre
-
(of a picnic type of meal) prepared and put in a container or containers beforehand; prepacked
a packed lunch
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of packed
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.
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
Whaite is also known for fronting cooking segments on daytime shows such as ITV's Lorraine and Steph's Packed Lunch.
From BBC • Nov. 17, 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 with ribeyes, hot dogs, and NY strip steaks, this box from Colorado’s Eagle Rock Ranch is a carnivore’s dream and a standout gift for barbecue enthusiasts.
From Salon • Dec. 16, 2024
And I know what’s what When it comes to Snow cones Packed with the flat Of a hand and laced With a gurgle Of sugary water.
From "Neighborhood Odes" by Gary Soto
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
