packet

[pak-it]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to bind up in a package or parcel.

packet

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of packet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of packet¹

C16: from Old French pacquet, from pacquer to pack, from Old Dutch pak a pack

Synonym Study

See package .

Example Sentences

Each packet contains portioned servings of peeled, cooked and mashed sweet potatoes that have then been frozen.

Read more on Salon

Then you smash a couple of packets of instant ramen and mix the bits into the dough with the contents of their seasoning packets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Margaret held out a thick packet of correspondence, tied in a ribbon.

Read more on Literature

Until then, a ticket’ll get ’em a packet of leftover food from the palace kitchens.”

Read more on Literature

When Gibby opened the door, he came in with three bologna sandwiches—two for him, one for Michael —and a packet of Skittles for Gibby.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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