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

The meeting’s agenda packet, which included the MOU, was made public shortly before the meeting. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Kuo pioneered the concept of a random-access protocol, or sharing a single channel without central coordination—which led to the packet-switching principles that underpin modern Wi-Fi and mobile networks. — IEEE Spectrum, 10 Sep. 2026

The chain's salt packets now contain sea salt instead of iodized salt. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Whisk them together with diced pickles, brine, and a packet of ranch seasoning, then chill so the flavors can combine and thicken. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 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