dunnage

noun

dun·​nage ˈdə-nij How to pronounce dunnage (audio)
1
: loose materials used to support and protect cargo in a ship's hold
also : padding in a shipping container
2

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Is There a dunnage and Cheese Connection?

Etymologists don't know the exact origin of dunnage. Some have pointed out the similarity of the word to dünne twige, a Low German term meaning "brushwood," but no one has ever proven the two are related. Others have speculated that it derives from Dunlop, the name of a famous cheese-making town in Scotland; however, neither the town nor the cheese has any connection to dunnage. Truth be told, though dunnage has been with us since the 15th century, its etymological history remains a mystery.

Examples of dunnage in a Sentence

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.
That particular cask came from Warehouse No. 4, a traditional stone dunnage warehouse. David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Orbis manufactures plastic reusable totes, bulk containers, pallets and dunnage. Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Dunnage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dunnage. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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