padding

noun

pad·​ding ˈpa-diŋ How to pronounce padding (audio)
Synonyms of paddingnext
: material with which something is padded

Examples of padding in a Sentence

the padding on the seat of the chairs These shoes have extra padding in the heel. If you remove the padding from his speech you can see that he offers no new ideas.
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.
This means that if your pets have an accident, the urine will not go all the way through the rug or padding and seep into the floor, which can cause a very bad smell and staining. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 And although lightweight, the shoe doesn’t compromise on support — it’s designed with a memory foam sole that absorbs impact and provides an extra layer of padding. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 Afterward, Johnson fired the ball into the padding behind the end zone in celebration. David Aldridge, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 The Omni is built entirely around dynamic support rather than just simple padding and nice fabrics. New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for padding

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of padding was in 1640

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padding. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

padding

noun
pad·​ding
ˈpad-iŋ
: material used to pad something

More from Merriam-Webster on padding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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