giftwrapping: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to informal. More formal registers might use 'gift wrapping' (two words) or 'the wrapping of gifts'.
Quick answer
What does “giftwrapping” mean?
The decorative paper and other materials used to cover a gift.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The decorative paper and other materials used to cover a gift.
The act or service of covering gifts with decorative paper, ribbon, etc.; the skill or process of doing this attractively. Can also refer to specialized paper or kits for this purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK tends to prefer hyphenation ('gift-wrapping') more often than US, though the closed form is common in both. US stores frequently advertise 'giftwrapping' as a service. The act is also sometimes called 'wrapping presents' more casually in both.
Connotations
Associated with consumerism, holidays, birthdays, and retail services. Implies care and presentation.
Frequency
Frequency spikes significantly around major gift-giving holidays (Christmas, Mother's Day). Common in retail and domestic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “giftwrapping” in a Sentence
[store] offers giftwrapping[person] is doing the giftwrappingthe giftwrapping of [object]charge for giftwrappingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “giftwrapping” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you gift-wrap this for me, please?
- She spent hours gift-wrapping all the Christmas parcels.
American English
- The store will giftwrap your purchase for free.
- I need to giftwrap these before the party.
adverb
British English
- She folded the paper gift-wrapping neatly.
American English
- The package arrived gift-wrapped beautifully.
adjective
British English
- They sell gift-wrapping supplies.
- We found a lovely gift-wrapping ribbon.
American English
- Check the giftwrapping aisle near the cards.
- They have a seasonal giftwrapping service.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Our premium service includes complimentary giftwrapping and a personalised message."
Academic
Rare. Possibly in studies of consumer behavior or material culture: "The ritual of giftwrapping reinforces social bonds."
Everyday
"I spent the evening doing the giftwrapping for all the kids' birthday presents."
Technical
In printing/paper industry: "This machine-grade paper is suitable for high-speed giftwrapping."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “giftwrapping”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “giftwrapping”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “giftwrapping”
- Using it as a countable noun (*I bought three giftwrappings).
- Misspelling as two separate words without a hyphen in contexts where compound is standard.
- Confusing 'giftwrapping' (noun) with 'gift-wrap' (verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All are seen. 'Giftwrapping' (closed) is common for the noun, especially in commercial contexts. 'Gift-wrapping' (hyphenated) is also correct. The verb is usually hyphenated: 'to gift-wrap'.
No. The verb form is 'to gift-wrap' (past tense: gift-wrapped). 'Giftwrapping' is a noun referring to the material or the activity.
No, it is an uncountable noun. You cannot say 'a giftwrapping'. You can say 'a piece of giftwrapping' or 'some giftwrapping'.
'Packaging' is functional and protects the product for shipping/sale. 'Giftwrapping' is decorative, intended for aesthetic appeal and surprise, and is added after the original purchase.
The decorative paper and other materials used to cover a gift.
Giftwrapping is usually neutral to informal. more formal registers might use 'gift wrapping' (two words) or 'the wrapping of gifts'. in register.
Giftwrapping: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪftˌræp.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪftˌræp.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all in the giftwrapping (i.e., presentation matters).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a GIFT needs WRAPPING. It's a single task: giftwrapping.
Conceptual Metaphor
GIFTWRAPPING IS A VEIL/CONTAINER (hiding and beautifying the contents).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common usage of 'giftwrapping'?