packaging

noun

1

: an act or instance of packaging something or someone: such as

a

: the enclosing of something in a container or covering

… damage caused by static charge during packaging, storing, and shipping.

—Chemical & Engineering News

b

: the presentation of something or someone to the public in a way that is designed to be attractive or appealing

This is public relations: the packaging of ideas, the execution of them, and the media coverage surrounding them.

—Robert Z. Chew

2

: material used to enclose or contain something

… the flashy packaging popularized by mass merchants.

—Jan Stafford

also : a covering wrapper or container : package entry 1 sense 3

the manufacture of food packagings

Examples of packaging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The data also shows that many people want stronger protections, as more than 60% of adults are very or somewhat concerned about chemicals used in food packaging, children’s toys and personal care products such as makeup, the survey found. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026

There will also be limited-edition packaging from Poppi, exclusive nail designs from Olive and June, temporary tattoos from Inked by Dani, and a skincare pouch set from Byoma. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026

Large beauty retailers such as Ulta Beauty and Sephora are also partnering with Pact Collective, a nonprofit that collects hard-to-recycle beauty packaging through in-store bins. —ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

Greater exposure to these chemicals, which are commonly found in plastic packaging, has previously been associated with prostate cancer. —David Cox, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from gerund of package entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1