padding

noun

pad·​ding ˈpa-diŋ How to pronounce padding (audio)
Synonyms of paddingnext
: material with which something is padded

Examples of padding in a Sentence

the padding on the seat of the chairs These shoes have extra padding in the heel. If you remove the padding from his speech you can see that he offers no new ideas.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most splints use padding in various areas to sustain your comfort. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 Several mountain staff members were then seen rushing over to help, placing padding and a safety net below in an attempt to catch her fall. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026 The care-bot’s exterior is also softer to the touch than the humanoids designed for industrial tasks, with upholstery and foam padding. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026 Instead of getting extensive tries at punt returner in that game, he was limited to one fair catch (while wearing protective padding). Jesse Newell, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for padding

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of padding was in 1640

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padding. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

padding

noun
pad·​ding
ˈpad-iŋ
: material used to pad something

More from Merriam-Webster on padding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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