Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large crate for goods: A "packing box" is a large, sturdy container, typically made of wood, used to pack goods for shipment or for storage.
   • A mechanical chamber for sealing: In machinery, a "packing box" is a small chamber where packing material (like rings or gaskets) is compressed around a moving rod or piston to prevent fluid leakage and form a seal.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Shipping/Storage):
  • The fragile dishes were secured inside a sturdy packing box.
  • We need to order more packing boxes for the warehouse inventory.
• Noun (Mechanical):
  • The steam engine's piston rod passes through a packing box to maintain pressure.
  • A leak developed, so the mechanic replaced the seals in the pump's packing box.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in a packing box": To be contained or prepared for transport.
  • All my books are already in packing boxes, ready for the move.
• Technical specification: In engineering contexts, the term specifies a component's function.
  • The design includes a gland follower to adjust compression in the packing box.

Variants and Related Words

• Packing case (n): A synonym for the shipping/storage crate meaning of "packing box."
• Crate (n): A general term for a slatted wooden container for transport.
• Gland (n): In engineering, a term often used interchangeably with or as part of a "packing box" assembly that compresses the sealing material.

Synonyms

• Shipping crate: For the large container meaning.
• Stowage box: For the storage context.
• Stuffing box: A common synonym in mechanical engineering for the sealing chamber meaning.

Related Phrases

• Packing material: The substance (e.g., foam, paper) used inside a packing box to protect items.
• Packing list: An inventory of items placed inside a packing box for shipment.
• Repack the box: To open and re-organize or re-secure the contents of a packing box.

Notes on Meaning

The two primary meanings of "packing box" belong to entirely different fields (logistics and mechanical engineering). The intended meaning is almost always clear from the context—whether discussing moving homes/shipping goods or describing machinery components.

Noun

1. a large crate in which goods are packed for shipment or storage
2. a small chamber in which packing is compressed around a reciprocating shaft or piston to form a seal