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

The group had tested 20 sunscreens in an independent accredited Australian lab, finding 16 did not meet the SPF, or skin protection factor, rating listed on the packet.

From BBC

The herbs themselves are stored in what looks like a relic from a university office: a honeycomb of wooden cubbies, each one just big enough to hold about a dozen packets.

From Salon

You can also add a few squirts of TJ’s Sriracha Sauce, just before adding the seasoning packet, for a spicy kick.

From Salon

The data packet fails to include well-researched studies attesting to the safety and efficacy of the mRNA vaccines, including some published very recently.

From Los Angeles Times

The products were packaged in individual foil packets in a cardboard box.

From Salon

Related Words

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