packing
/ˈpækɪŋ/
NOUN
1. The action of putting things into containers
The act or process of placing items together in a limited space, especially to prepare them for storage, transport, or delivery.
1.1. Preparing items for storage or transport
The process of arranging and placing belongings or goods into boxes, bags, suitcases, or other containers.
Synonyms
- packaging
- wrapping
- bundling
- crating
Antonyms
- unpacking
- unwrapping
Examples
- Packing for the journey took longer than she expected.
- Careful packing helps protect fragile items during transport.
Related Words
- packing materials
- container
- luggage
- parcel
- shipment
1.2. Protective material used to fill spaces
Material placed around or between objects to cushion them, prevent movement, or protect them from damage.
Synonyms
Examples
- The fragile glassware was surrounded by protective packing.
- The box contained enough packing to prevent the contents from shifting.
Related Words
- Styrofoam
- foam
- insulation
- quilting
- protective wrapping
VERB
2. To put things together in a confined space
To place or arrange objects closely together in a limited space, especially for storage or transportation.
2.1. Putting belongings into containers
To arrange and place belongings, goods, or equipment into bags, boxes, or other containers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- unpack
- unload
- empty
Examples
- She spent the afternoon packing her clothes into suitcases.
- The workers were packing fragile goods for shipment.
Related Words
2.2. Filling a space tightly
To fill an area or container with objects or material, often by pressing them closely together.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- empty
- clear
- evacuate
Examples
- The children were packing books tightly into the storage box.
- Workers packed the material into every available space.
Related Words
- overfill
- stuffing
- filling
- congestion
- compression
2.3. Loading or burdening
To load someone or something with a pack, weight, or heavy burden.
Synonyms
- load
- burden
- encumber
- weigh down
- saddle
- overload
Antonyms
Examples
- The workers were packing the animals with supplies.
- The heavy equipment was packing the vehicle beyond its recommended capacity.
Related Words
2.4. Carrying or transporting
To move, carry, or send goods and other items from one place to another.
Synonyms
Examples
- The mules were packing supplies along the mountain trail.
- The crew was packing equipment to the remote worksite.
Related Words
2.5. Blocking or obstructing
To block a passage, opening, or flow by filling or closing it with material or objects.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The debris was packing the drainage channel and preventing water from flowing.
- Mud kept packing the narrow opening.
Related Words
- barrier
- blockage
- obstruction
- congestion
- restriction
2.6. Blocking a shot in basketball
To prevent an opponent's shot from reaching its intended path or destination, especially by intercepting it in basketball.
Synonyms
Examples
- The center was packing shots throughout the game.
- The defender packed the opponent's attempt near the basket.
Related Words
- blocked shot
- defense
- rejection
- basketball
- rim protection
2.7. Playing together in a rugby scrum
For rugby forwards, to work together as a coordinated unit, particularly when engaging in a scrum.
Synonyms
- scrummage
- form a scrum
- bind together
Examples
- The forwards were packing tightly before the scrum.
- The team practiced packing together to improve its scrum technique.
Related Words
- forwards
- scrum
- binding
- ruck
- rugby
2.8. Wearing a prosthetic bulge
In some transgender and drag communities, to wear a prosthetic penis inside one's clothing to create a more traditionally masculine appearance.
Synonyms
- wear a packer
- use a packer
Examples
- He was packing for a more masculine appearance.
- Some performers use a packer as part of their stage presentation.
Related Words
- packer
- prosthetic
- gender presentation
- padding