often attributive
1
a
: a bundle arranged for convenience in carrying especially on the back
b
: a group or pile of related objects
2
a
: the contents of a bundle
b
: a large amount or number : heap
a pack of lies
c
: a full set of playing cards
3
a
: an act or instance of packing
b
: a method of packing
4
a
: a set of persons with a common interest : clique
b
: an organized unit (as of Cub Scouts)
5
a(1)
: a group of domesticated animals trained to hunt or run together
(2)
: a group of often predatory animals of the same kind
a wolf pack
(3)
: a large group of individuals massed together (as in a race)
b
6
: a concentrated or compacted mass (as of snow or ice)
7
: absorbent material (such as gauze pads) used to apply medicine or moisture or to press upon a body part or plug an opening (as to stop bleeding) see ice pack sense 2
8
a
: a cosmetic paste for the face
b
: an application or treatment of oils or creams for conditioning the scalp and hair
9
: material used in packing
packed; packing; packs
1
a
: to make into a compact bundle
b
: to fill completely
fans packed the stadium
c
: to fill with packing
pack a joint in a pipe
d
: to load with a pack
pack a mule
e
: to put in a protective container
goods packed for shipment
2
a
: to crowd together
b
: to increase the density of : compress
3
a
: to cause or command to go without ceremony
packed him off to school
b
: to bring to an end : give up
—used with up or in
might pack up the assignment
—used especially in the phrase pack it in
4
: to gather into tight formation : make a pack of (animals, such as hounds)
5
: to cover or surround with a pack
6
a
: to transport on foot or on the back of an animal
pack a canoe overland
b
: to wear or carry as equipment
pack a gun
c
: to be supplied or equipped with : possess
a storm packing hurricane winds
d
: to make or be capable of making (an impact)
a book that packs a man-sized punch—C. J. Rolo
1
2
a
: to stow goods and equipment for transportation
b
: to be suitable for packing
a knit dress packs well
3
a
: to assemble in a group : congregate
b
: to crowd together
4
: to become built up or compacted in a layer or mass
the ore packed into a stony mass
5
a
: to carry goods or equipment
b
: to travel with one's baggage (as by horse)
packed; packing; packs
1
: to influence the composition of so as to bring about a desired result
pack a jury
"… packing a court, increasing the number of justices so you can get a desired outcome. … "—Andy Biggs
see also court-packing, pack the court
2
archaic
: to arrange (the cards in a pack) so as to cheat
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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