pack

noun, often attributive
\ˈpak \

Definition of pack 

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : a bundle arranged for convenience in carrying especially on the back

b : a group or pile of related objects

c(1) : a number of individual components packaged as a unit a pack of gum

(2) : container

(3) : a compact unitized assembly to perform a specific function

(4) : a stack of magnetic disks in a container for use as a storage device

2a : the contents of a bundle

b : a large amount or number : heap a pack of lies

c : a full set of playing cards

3a : an act or instance of packing

b : a method of packing

4a : a set of persons with a common interest : clique

b : an organized unit (as of Cub Scouts)

5a(1) : a group of domesticated animals trained to hunt or run together

(2) : a group of often predatory animals of the same kind a wolf pack

(3) : a large group of individuals massed together (as in a race)

b : wolf pack

6 : a concentrated or compacted mass (as of snow or ice)

7 : absorbent material (such as gauze pads) used to apply medicine or moisture or to press upon a body part or plug an opening (as to stop bleeding) — see ice pack sense 2

8a : a cosmetic paste for the face

b : an application or treatment of oils or creams for conditioning the scalp and hair

9 : material used in packing

pack

verb (1)
packed; packing; packs

Definition of pack (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : to make into a compact bundle

b : to fill completely fans packed the stadium

c : to fill with packing pack a joint in a pipe

d : to load with a pack pack a mule

e : to put in a protective container goods packed for shipment

2a : to crowd together

b : to increase the density of : compress

3a : to cause or command to go without ceremony packed him off to school

b : to bring to an end : give up used with up or in might pack up the assignment used especially in the phrase pack it in

4 : to gather into tight formation : make a pack of (animals, such as hounds)

5 : to cover or surround with a pack

6a : to transport on foot or on the back of an animal pack a canoe overland

b : to wear or carry as equipment pack a gun

c : to be supplied or equipped with : possess a storm packing hurricane winds

d : to make or be capable of making (an impact) a book that packs a man-sized punch— C. J. Rolo

intransitive verb

1a : to go away without ceremony : depart simply packed up and left

b : quit, stop used with up or in why don't you pack in, before you kill yourself— Millard Lampell

2a : to stow goods and equipment for transportation

b : to be suitable for packing a knit dress packs well

3a : to assemble in a group : congregate

b : to crowd together

4 : to become built up or compacted in a layer or mass the ore packed into a stony mass

5a : to carry goods or equipment

b : to travel with one's baggage (as by horse)

pack

verb (2)
packed; packing; packs

Definition of pack (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to influence the composition of so as to bring about a desired result pack a jury

2 archaic : to arrange (the cards in a pack) so as to cheat

pack

adjective

Definition of pack (Entry 4 of 4)

chiefly Scotland

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Other Words from pack

Verb (1)

packability \ ˌpa-​kə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē \ noun
packable \ ˈpa-​kə-​bəl \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for pack

Verb

pack, cram, and stuff mean to fill something to its limit or beyond. pack may be used for the act of filling up tightly in an orderly way. Pack a trunk. Or it may mean filling up something too much. People packed the room. cram usually is used when something has been filled in a forceful, careless, or disorderly way. She crammed everything into one small box. stuff means filling something as much as it will hold and often to the point of bulging. I stuffed my bag with apples.

Examples of pack in a Sentence

Noun

He took a map and a bottle of water out of his pack. hikers carrying heavy packs up a mountain They loaded the packs onto the horses. The entire pack of crayons spilled on the floor. Cigarettes typically come in packs of 20. You'll receive your informational pack upon arrival.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Neighbors in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato flocked to a small adobe shed to buy packs of 10 for 10 pesos, Miguel said. Benjy Egel, sacbee, "Taqueria Maya owners open Mexican restaurant with a millennial twist in railyard," 12 July 2018 Free pretzels will continue to be offered, while additional snacks such as small packs of cookies or chips will be available on longer flights, Southwest said. BostonGlobe.com, "SoftBank raises stake in Yahoo Japan in purchase from Altaba," 11 July 2018 Available as a 35cl bottle, perfect for manbags and gym bottles, or as a pack of three 5cl minis, a great solution to body cavity searches. Michael Bartiromo, Fox News, "Liquor company slammed for releasing 'Novichok' vodka named after deadly nerve agent," 10 July 2018 The two had with them a full bottle of Captain Morgan’s rum, two cups, three cans of Diet Coke, a pack of cigarettes and a bag of ice. Elliot Hughes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mother was fishing, drinking while child was locked in car on hot day in Franklin, complaint says," 10 July 2018 Twellman bought a pack of 24 Crayola crayons and another set of 10 Crayola markers. Jacob Feldman, SI.com, "How ESPN Is Covering the World Cup Without Highlights," 10 July 2018 In 2007, close to 73 percent of U.S. hospitals handed out packs of free formula, bottles and coupons — familiar to just about anyone who gave birth in the 1990s and early 2000s. NBC News, "Report that U.S. suppressed breastfeeding resolution shocks advocates," 9 July 2018 In midtown Manhattan at a Duane Reade store, part of the Walgreens chain, a store-brand pack of 500 acetaminophen pills costs $18.99. Bloomberg, latimes.com, "Amazon is already undercutting prices on over-the-counter pills," 6 July 2018 While most DJs, then and now, were loath to mingle in this fashion, Biondi did so with relish, endearing himself to packs of teens who became devoted listeners. Rick Kogan, chicagotribune.com, "She used to listen to Chicago radio's Dick Biondi under her pillow; now she's making a movie," 5 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The couple also packed up their five cats and spent the night at a residence on one of their other properties. Teri Figueroa, latimes.com, "'I had no idea the flames could go that fast': Goleta devastated by fire as record heat burns path of destruction," 7 July 2018 An order for the Whitney Museum shop was being packed up during my visit. Alex Ronan, Vogue, "Meet the Berlin Artist Making a Million Porcelain Dishes Before She Dies," 1 July 2018 The dancing Senegalese and lovable Icelanders with their Thunderclapping fans have also packed up their bags and headed home. Michelle Kaufman, miamiherald, "2018 World Cup Round of 16 Preview: Everything You Need to Know," 29 June 2018 Mahoney: Bridges packed up that apartment and moved out, all without knowing where, exactly, basketball would take him. Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "Breakaway: Inside the Life of Future Lottery Pick Mikal Bridges," 15 June 2018 Do the same for the other hose, gently close the lid over the hoses, and use a piece of packing tape to secure the lid. Matthew Jancer, Popular Mechanics, "8 Tips to Help You Move Like a Pro," 11 July 2018 My favorite all-purpose option is Dijon mustard, which is milder than spicy brown or classic yellow but still packs a zesty punch that pairs well with the vinegar and cuts through oil. Becky Krystal, sacbee, "Shake it up: Lots of vinaigrette options," 10 July 2018 Restaurants that currently lease space in Mifsud's buildings — think Ottava Via and Mercury Bar — are packed. Allie Gross, Detroit Free Press, "1993 Corktown purchase sits on the edge of a jackpot," 13 July 2018 Young told Buie, who sat quietly next to her lawyer during the hearing, which was packed with the slain toddler’s relatives, including one woman who wore a shirt that said Team Kenai. Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, "Woman pleads guilty in beating death of 3-year-old stepson in Roxbury," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pack.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pack

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Verb (2)

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1686, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pack

Noun

Middle English, of Low German or Dutch origin; akin to Middle Low German & Middle Dutch pak pack

Verb (2)

obsolete pack to make a secret agreement

Adjective

perhaps from obsolete pack to make a secret agreement

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Statistics for pack

Last Updated

28 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for pack

The first known use of pack was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for pack

pack

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pack

: a bag or bundle of objects that is carried on a person's or animal's back

: a small paper or cardboard package in which small things are sold

: the amount contained in one pack

pack

noun
\ˈpak \

Kids Definition of pack

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a bundle arranged for carrying especially on the back of a person or animal

2 : a group of like persons or things a Cub Scout pack a wolf pack

pack

verb
packed; packing

Kids Definition of pack (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to put into a container or bundle Pack your clothes.

2 : to put things into Have you packed a suitcase?

3 : to crowd into so as to make full : cram Students packed the auditorium.

4 : to send away Parents pack children off to school.

Other Words from pack

packer noun

pack

noun
\ˈpak \

Medical Definition of pack 

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a container shielded with lead or mercury for holding radium in large quantities especially for therapeutic application

2a : absorbent material saturated with water or other liquid for therapeutic application to the body or a body part — see cold pack, hot pack — compare ice pack

b : a folded square or compress of gauze or other absorbent material used especially to maintain a clear field in surgery, to plug cavities, to check bleeding by compression, or to apply medication

Medical Definition of pack (Entry 2 of 2)

: to cover or surround with a pack packed it away from the operative field with gauze packs— R. P. Parsons specifically : to envelop (a patient) in a wet or dry sheet or blanket

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Legal Definition of pack 

: to influence the composition of (as a political agency) so as to bring about a desired result pack a jury

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Comments on pack

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