First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1pack
noun, often attributive \ˈpak\
: 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
Full Definition of PACK
1
a : 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
2
a : the contents of a bundle b : a large amount or number : heap <a pack of lies> c : a full set of playing cards
3
a : an act or instance of packing b : a method of packing
4
a : a set of persons with a common interest : clique b : an organized unit (as of Cub Scouts)
5
a (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
: wet absorbent material for therapeutic application to the body
8
a : 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
See pack defined for English-language learners
See pack defined for kids
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Origin of PACK
Middle English, of Low German or Dutch origin; akin to Middle Low German & Middle Dutch pak pack
Related to PACK
2pack
verb
Definition of PACK
transitive verb
1
a : 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>
2
a : to crowd together b : to increase the density of : compress
3
a : 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 (as hounds)
5
: to cover or surround with a pack
6
a : 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
1
2
a : to stow goods and equipment for transportation b : to be suitable for packing <a knit dress packs well>
3
a : 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>
5
a : to carry goods or equipment b : to travel with one's baggage (as by horse)
— pack·abil·i·ty \ˌpa-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— pack·able \ˈpa-kə-bəl\ adjective
First Known Use of PACK
14th century
3pack
verb
Definition of PACK
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
Origin of PACK
obsolete pack to make a secret agreement
First Known Use: 1587
4pack
adjective
Definition of PACK
chiefly Scottish : intimate
Origin of PACK
perhaps from obsolete pack to make a secret agreement
First Known Use: 1701
PACK Defined for Kids
1pack
noun \ˈpak\
Definition of PACK for Kids
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>
2pack
verb
packedpack·ing
Definition of PACK for Kids
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.>
— pack·er noun
Synonym Discussion of PACK
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.>
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