packet

noun

pack·​et ˈpa-kət 

1

a

: a small bundle or parcel

b

: a small thin package

c British

(1)

: pay envelope

(2)

: salary, paycheck

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

Synonyms of packet

• bag
• bundle
• package
• pack
• pouch

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

Christina Stembel, founder and CEO of Farmgirl Flowers, says storage plays a major role in whether an open packet of seeds will be usable the following year. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2026

The changes follow a move made in 2025; In-N-Out uses real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup in its ketchup found in packets and dispensers, according to the burger chain. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

To help finance Fernandez-Pardo, Newcastle opted to send Nick Woltemade to Juventus temporarily, banking a loan fee and ensuring much of his wage packet was covered. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Ordinarily, cyclists will drink water from a bottle, and drink gel from either a disposable packet or a refillable flask. — New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing packet

• pay packet
• press packet
• wave packet

Rhymes for packet

• bracket
• jacket
• racket
• racquet
• straitjacket

Kids Definition

packet

noun

pack·​et ˈpak-ət 

1

: a passenger boat carrying mail and cargo on a regular schedule

2

: a small bundle or parcel