packet

noun

pack·​et ˈpa-kət 

1

a

: a small bundle or parcel

b

: a small thin package

c British

(1)

: pay envelope

(2)

: salary, paycheck

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

Synonyms

• bundle
• pack
• package
• parcel

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

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

Phrases Containing packet

• pay packet
• press packet
• wave packet

Kids Definition

packet

noun

pack·​et ˈpak-ət 

1

: a passenger boat carrying mail and cargo on a regular schedule

2

: a small bundle or parcel