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.
As French went back to make the play, his glove got lodged under the padding running across the top of the fence. ABC News, 20 June 2026 The stock market continues to shrug off geopolitical concern and hit record highs, padding people’s 401(k)s and retirement accounts. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 Front seats are spacious and comfortable, with ample padding as well as heating and ventilation. Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 19 June 2026 Extra padding on the tongue and collar blow up the proportions of the silhouette, while a suede, mesh and leather upper deviates from the typical leather build. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 16 June 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 23 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

padding

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

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