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 Halpin and Manning aim to find a way to more efficiently organize data packets and leverage hardware to reduce this sluggishness, especially when setting up the initial set of nodes. Steven Ehrlich, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Their products include cans of alcoholic bubble tea, as well as grab-and-go packets of popping boba. Angela Yang, NBC News, 13 Oct. 2024 Place pretzel bites in an even layer on a small rimmed baking sheet; set aside salt packet. Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2024 One solution is to add other flavor mixers (like Mio drops or Crystal Light packets) to your water to mask the taste. Laura Lancaster, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for packet 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'packet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near packet

Cite this Entry

“Packet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/packet. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on packet

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