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

Kohli tells BBC Newsbeat he still recalls the "burning smell" of the shrink wrap machine each store used to package up second-hand consoles for sale.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Many of the items, which also included limited-edition controllers, had never been taken out of their original shrink wrap.

From Fox News • Oct. 1, 2021

Engineers normally tasked with upkeeping conveyor belts instead started building dividers made from what they had at the time: PVC pipes and non-porous shrink wrap for winterizing boats.

From National Geographic • Feb. 8, 2021

And they’re perfectly edible, according to the package — and surely I wouldn’t think twice about doubting the safety advice printed on the shrink wrap of an item promising to “Amaze Your Friends!”

From Washington Post • Jan. 3, 2019

Ms. Lockwood said the company now recycles things like aluminum and shrink wrap, reuses items like wood pallets, donates usable food to charity and turns other food into animal feed or compost.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 2012