packet

noun

pack·​et ˈpa-kət How to pronounce packet (audio)
1
a
: a small bundle or parcel
b
: a small thin package
c British
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

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 Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, melted 2 Tbsp. dry ranch salad dressing mix (measured from a 1-oz packet or bulk jar of the mix) 1 1/2 tsp. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023 First, candidates submit an application packet, which must include an endorsement by their home college or university. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 During the Niger famine in the early 2000s, more than 63,000 youth returned to a healthy weight after incorporating peanut butter packets into their diets for just a few weeks. Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2023 These pods have three separate fast-dissolving packets that contain powder, gel, and a liquid power ball that focus on individual dishwashing needs. Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 With its housing carved from a single chunk of aluminum, Humane’s device is closer to a brooch, a tin of mints, or a cigarette packet clipped in half than the sleeker items that adorn politicians’ lapels or baseball fans’ caps. WIRED, 9 Nov. 2023 This adorable kit from Welly features 18 bandages, three triple antibiotic ointment packets, and three hand sanitizer packets for all of your first aid needs. Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2023 Sitting opposite me at a four-top inside her restaurant at the Eden Center, Thanh Huong Thi Truong carefully peels open a banana leaf that has been folded into a petite, palm-size packet. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023 If that wasn't enough, the company also sends a packet of au jus to keep the turkey extra juicy while cooking. Bridget Degnan, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'packet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near packet

Cite this Entry

“Packet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/packet. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

packet

noun
pack·​et ˈpak-ət How to pronounce packet (audio)
1
: a passenger boat carrying mail and cargo on a regular schedule
2
: a small bundle or parcel

More from Merriam-Webster on packet

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