packet

noun

pack·​et ˈpa-kət How to pronounce packet (audio)
1
a
: a small bundle or parcel
b
: a small thin package
c British
d
chiefly British : a considerable amount
that trip will cost a packet
2
a
: a number of letters dispatched at one time
b
: a small group, cluster, or mass
3
: a passenger boat usually carrying mail and cargo
4
British : a pack of cigarettes
5
: a short fixed-length section of data that is transmitted as a unit in an electronic communications network

Examples of packet in a Sentence

I got two packets of broccoli seeds to plant this summer. He puts two packets of sugar in his coffee. Could you get me another packet of ketchup? Your information packet includes a map and a schedule of all the events at the conference. I received the packet of legal papers today.
Recent Examples on the Web Abang Adik was among the surprise packets to emerge from Southeast Asian cinema over the past 12 months. Mathew Scott, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 Just like the fast-casual Mexican chain’s hot sauce options, the Choco Taco will be served with custom sauce packets. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 Many schools have already given students packets to work on if school is cancelled. The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 These packets typically contain little beads of silica gel, which absorbs moisture around them. Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 21 Feb. 2024 But ultimately the packet didn’t seem to pass muster. William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2024 There might be shawarma next to the shotgun shells, or wedges of mild hoop cheese and packets of saltines for sale at the counter along with lottery tickets and pecan pie that the owner’s sister made. Kim Severson, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2024 There are 24 flat packets containing 1/2 cup each of essential spices, from cayenne to coriander. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 This feeder comes with a packet of instant nectar concentrate for the first feeding. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'packet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pekette, pakat, from Anglo-French pacquet, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch pak pack

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of packet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near packet

Cite this Entry

“Packet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/packet. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

packet

noun
pack·​et ˈpak-ət How to pronounce packet (audio)
1
: a passenger boat carrying mail and cargo on a regular schedule
2
: a small bundle or parcel

More from Merriam-Webster on packet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!