pack in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal
Quick answer
What does “pack in” mean?
To stop doing something, especially a job or activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To stop doing something, especially a job or activity; to end an operation or involvement.
To stop working or functioning (of a machine); to attract very large crowds; to fit a lot of things or people into a limited space (phrasal verb 'pack in' with separable object).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The meaning 'to quit/stop' is more common and informal in British English. In American English, 'pack it in' is also used, but 'quit', 'give up', or 'call it quits' are more typical.
Connotations
In both varieties, it conveys a sense of finality and informality. The British usage can sound slightly colloquial or dramatic.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English for the 'quit' meaning. In American English, the meaning 'to cram/fit a lot into' is more neutral and frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “pack in” in a Sentence
[Subject] packs in [Object (job/activity)][Subject] packs it in[Subject] packs in (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pack in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He packed in his job at the bank to become a painter.
- My old car finally packed in on the motorway.
- The new show is packing them in every night.
American English
- She packed in her corporate career to start a farm.
- The printer packed in right before my deadline.
- The festival really packs in the crowds.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"After the merger, several senior managers decided to pack in their jobs." (Informal register)
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. Might appear in informal narratives: "The researcher nearly packed in the project due to funding issues."
Everyday
"I'm so tired of this commute—I'm thinking of packing it in and finding work closer to home."
Technical
Not used in technical senses except informally for equipment failure: "The engine finally packed in after 200,000 miles."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pack in”
- *I packed in to work. (Incorrect) Correct: I packed in work / I packed my job in.
- Confusing 'pack in' (quit) with 'pack into' (cram).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal, especially when meaning 'to quit'. The meaning 'to attract crowds' is more neutral.
No, it usually implies a permanent or decisive end. For a temporary break, use 'take a break from' or 'pause'.
'Pack in' (quit/break) is separable and often used without a following prepositional phrase. 'Pack into' means to fit/cram things/people into a space (e.g., 'We packed a lot into one day').
It's common in both, but slightly more informal and characteristic of British English. Americans might also say 'conked out' or 'broke down'.
To stop doing something, especially a job or activity.
Pack in: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpæk ˈɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpæk ˈɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pack it in! (Stop it!)”
- “call it a day”
- “throw in the towel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine literally PACKING your belongings INTO a box when you leave a job for good. You 'pack in' your career at that place.
Conceptual Metaphor
STOPPING IS PACKING UP (preparing to leave).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'pack in' mean 'to attract large audiences'?