packet
PAK-iht
Packet (noun) means a small parcel, pouch, or bundle of something. Example: “She tore open a packet of crisps.”
noun
1
A small parcel, pouch, or bundle of something.
"She tore open a packet of crisps."
"He bought a packet of seeds for the garden."
"She poured a packet of sugar into her tea and stirred."
2
In computing, a small chunk of data sent across a network as part of a larger message.
"The router forwards each packet toward its destination."
"A dropped packet can cause a brief stutter in a video call."
"The network engineer captured every packet to find out why the connection kept failing."
How to use packet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small pre-wrapped bundle of something — physical items like crisps or seeds, or, in tech, a small piece of digital data.
Common pairings
packet of crisps
data packet
packet loss
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like packet.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- packets
- Third person singular
- packets
- Past tense
- packeted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She tore open a _____ of crisps.
Etymology
From French paquet, a diminutive form of pack — literally "a little pack."
Related words
Rhymes for packet
See all rhymes for packet →Frequently asked questions
What does “packet” mean?
The word “packet” means a small parcel, pouch, or bundle of something. In plain terms, a small pre-wrapped bundle of something — physical items like crisps or seeds, or, in tech, a small piece of digital data.
How do you pronounce “packet”?
“Packet” is pronounced PAK-iht (/ˈpæk.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “packet” in a sentence?
Here is “packet” used in a sentence: “She tore open a packet of crisps.”
What part of speech is “packet”?
“Packet” is a noun.
Where does the word “packet” come from?
The word “packet” comes from French. From French paquet, a diminutive form of pack — literally "a little pack.".
Is “packet” a common word?
“Packet” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “packet” have?
“Packet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small parcel, pouch, or bundle of something.
What is the difference between a packet and a package?
A packet is typically a small parcel, pouch, or bundle, such as a packet of seeds, while a package generally refers to a larger or more general wrapped item, often one sent by mail or courier. Packet tends to suggest a smaller, lighter item than package.
What does packet mean in computing?
In computing, a packet is a small chunk of data sent across a network as part of a larger message, with the full message reassembled from multiple packets once they reach their destination.
Is packet used differently in British and American English?
Packet is more common in British English for small bundled items, such as a packet of crisps, where American English often uses bag or pack instead. The computing sense of packet, however, is standard in both varieties.
