care package: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Conversational
Quick answer
What does “care package” mean?
A parcel of food, treats, or comforting items sent to someone, especially a student, soldier, or someone living away from home, to show affection and support.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A parcel of food, treats, or comforting items sent to someone, especially a student, soldier, or someone living away from home, to show affection and support.
Any thoughtful collection of useful or comforting items assembled and given to someone in need, such as a new parent, a hospital patient, or during a crisis, to provide practical help and emotional support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in British English but originated and is more commonly used in American English. British English might more naturally use "parcel" or "box of treats/goodies" in similar contexts, though "care package" is increasingly adopted.
Connotations
In American English, it strongly evokes images of parents sending packages to university students. In British English, it may sound slightly Americanised but is readily understood as a kind, supportive gesture.
Frequency
High frequency in American English; medium-to-low but rising frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “care package” in a Sentence
[Someone] sent/gave [someone] a care package.A care package arrived for [someone] from [someone].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “care package” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was care-packaged by her family every month at uni.
- I'm going to care-package my friend who's feeling poorly.
American English
- My mom care-packaged me a box of my favorite snacks.
- We should care-package the new recruits.
adjective
British English
- It was a lovely care-package gesture.
- She has a care-package mentality, always thinking of others.
American English
- That was such a care-package thing to do!
- They organized a care-package drive for the shelter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a company sending branded gifts to clients or remote employees.
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Might appear in sociological studies of student life or military support networks.
Everyday
Very common in personal/family contexts, especially among students, military families, and friends.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “care package”
- Using 'care packet' (incorrect). Using it to describe any commercial delivery (incorrect—must imply personal care).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while strongly associated with students, it can be sent to anyone away from home or in need of comfort, like soldiers, hospital patients, or new parents.
Yes, informally. For example, 'I'm going to care-package my friend.' This is more common in conversational American English.
A 'care package' implies a personal, supportive gesture for someone specific, often homemade. A 'gift basket' is often a pre-made, commercial product given for occasions like holidays or corporate gifts.
Usually not as a noun ('I got a care package'). Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before a noun ('a care-package idea').
A parcel of food, treats, or comforting items sent to someone, especially a student, soldier, or someone living away from home, to show affection and support.
Care package is usually informal, conversational in register.
Care package: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeə ˌpæk.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker ˌpæk.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A little taste of home (implied by the contents of a care package)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of sending a package full of CARE: Cookies, Affection, Reminders of home, and Encouragement.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT IS A PHYSICAL PACKAGE / TANGIBLE AFFECTION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a 'care package'?