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.
Many newer designs rely on strategic ruching, molded cups, or tapered padding rather than stiff foam inserts that feel bulky and dig in. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 May 2026 Roberts doesn’t expect Ohtani to need X-rays on his hand, saying the pitch mostly hit the padding on his batting gloves. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 The crossroads of style and comfort come together with an open-toed mules, all thanks to their chunkier heels and thicker sole padding. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 25 May 2026 This is the perfect, tummy padding meal to end your weekender in Palm Springs and hit the road back home. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 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 6 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

padding

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

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