Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of putting items into containers for storage or transport: "Packing" refers to the action of arranging and securing objects into boxes, bags, or other receptacles.
   • Material used to protect or cushion items within a container: "Packing" also denotes the material, such as paper, foam, or plastic, that is placed around items to prevent damage.
   • The act of filling or stuffing a space tightly: In a more general sense, "packing" can mean the act of filling a space completely and compactly.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She finished the packing for her trip last night. (She completed the act of putting her belongings into suitcases.)
  • The fragile vase was surrounded by soft packing. (The delicate vase was protected by cushioning material inside the box.)
  • The tight packing of the books made the box very heavy. (The dense filling of the space with books resulted in a heavy box.)

Advanced Usage

• "Packing it in" (idiomatic): To quit or stop doing something.
  • After a long day, he decided to pack it in and go home. (He decided to stop working and leave.)
• "Packing a punch" (idiomatic): To have a powerful effect.
  • That small chili is really packing a punch! (That small chili pepper is very strong or spicy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pack (verb/noun): To fill a container; a bundle or group.
  • We need to pack our bags. (We need to fill our bags with items.)
• Package (noun/verb): A wrapped or boxed object; to place into a package.
  • The package arrived in the mail. (The wrapped item was delivered.)
• Packer (noun): A person or machine that packs things.
  • He works as a packer in a warehouse. (His job is to put items into boxes.)

Synonyms

• Wrapping: The act of covering an item.
• Cushioning: Material used for protection against shock.
• Stuffing: The act of filling a space tightly.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pack away: To store something by putting it into a container.
  • It's time to pack away the winter clothes. (It's time to store the winter clothing in boxes or bags.)
• Pack up: To put things into containers, often in preparation to leave.
  • We need to pack up the office before moving. (We need to put all office items into boxes before relocating.)

Related Idioms

• Send someone packing: To dismiss or send someone away abruptly.
  • After the argument, she sent him packing. (She told him to leave immediately after the disagreement.)

Noun

1. carrying something in a pack on the back
   • the backpacking of oxygen is essential for astronauts
2. the enclosure of something in a package or box
3. any material used especially to protect something