# packing

/ˈpækɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈækɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/packing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. preparing for a trip

noun · CEFR A2

the act of putting your clothes and things into bags or suitcases for a trip.

For teachers: the process of placing personal belongings or items into luggage or containers for travel or storage.

- I finished my packing early so I could relax before the flight.
- Efficient packing is essential for long-term travel, as it requires balancing the necessity of items against the physical constraints of a single carry-on bag.

### 2. protective materials

noun · CEFR B1

materials like paper or plastic used to protect things inside a box.

For teachers: protective materials, such as bubble wrap or foam, used to prevent damage to goods during transit.

- The glass vase arrived safely because there was plenty of packing in the box.
- The manufacturer switched to biodegradable packing peanuts to reduce the environmental impact of their shipping operations.

### 3. spatial arrangement

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the way objects are fitted together into a space.

For teachers: the arrangement or density of objects within a defined space or container.

- The scientist studied the packing of atoms in different types of crystals.
- In discrete geometry, the sphere packing problem investigates the most efficient way to arrange non-overlapping spheres within a given volume.

Usage: Often used in the context of 'sphere packing' or 'atomic packing'.

## Examples

- I need to finish my packing before the taxi arrives.
- She spent the entire weekend doing her packing because she was moving to a new apartment on Monday.
- Efficient packing requires not only a logical arrangement of items to maximize space but also the strategic use of protective materials to prevent damage during international shipping.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.