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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The report — which spans 28 pages and has three packets of supporting documents — cleared Kelly of intentionally causing his wife to trade based on insider information and having a conflict of interest, determining there wasn’t evidence to prove those two wrongdoings. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 25 July 2025 Travel Laundry Detergent Packets Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets These TSA-friendly detergent packets are perfect for sink or tub laundry while traveling. Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025 Celsius says that Celsius and Celsius Vibe drinks contain about 200 mg of caffeine per can, Celsius Essentials contain about 270 mg of caffeine per can, and Celsius On-The-Go powders contain about 200 mg of caffeine per packet. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 18 July 2025 So Dry Brew is coffee in a packet that a customer could chew on, like a bite of a chocolate bar, on the run that doesn’t need any preparation. Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for packet

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Packet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/packet. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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

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