shrink-wrap

American  

[shringk-rap] / ˈʃrɪŋkˌræp /

Also shrinkwrap,

verb (used with object)

shrink-wrapped, shrink-wrapping

1. to wrap and seal (a book, a food product, etc.) in a flexible film of plastic that, when exposed to a heating process, shrinks to the contour of the merchandise.

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noun

1. the plastic film used to shrink-wrap something.

shrink-wrap British  

verb

1. (tr) to package (a product) in a flexible plastic wrapping designed to shrink about its contours to protect and seal it

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Etymology

Origin of shrink-wrap

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Fiction, that slippery, transparent shrink-wrap of artifice pulled taut across reality, is running the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2022

Some, including an “8 Mile” promo sampler and a Junior M.A.F.I.A. and Aaliyah EP, are still sealed in the original shrink-wrap.

From Washington Post • Jan. 20, 2022

Many still package their bottles with common shrink-wrap seals, despite the ease with which such closures can be faked.

From New York Times • Jan. 6, 2022

The scaffolding went up first, then in May this year, the shrink-wrap followed.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2021

“They only have one left!” he gushed, tearing off the cellophane shrink-wrap and prying open the lid.

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein