packet
B1Neutral to informal (depending on usage); technical in computing contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A small container or parcel, typically made of paper, cardboard, or thin plastic, used to hold a quantity of something.
In computing and telecommunications, a discrete unit of data formatted for transmission over a network (data packet). In British English, also used informally to refer to a large amount of money (e.g., 'a packet').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. In British English, can refer to the physical container or its contents interchangeably (e.g., 'a packet of crisps'). In American English, the physical container is more often called a 'pack' or 'bag' for some items (e.g., chips).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Much more common in British English for small consumer goods (packet of biscuits, packet of crisps, packet of seeds). In American English, 'pack', 'bag', or 'package' are often preferred for food items (a bag of chips, a pack of cookies). 'Packet' is standard in both varieties for computing (data packet) and certain fixed phrases (packet of information).
Connotations
In UK informal use, 'to cost a packet' means to be very expensive. This connotation is largely absent in US English.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English for everyday shopping items. Medium frequency in US English, largely limited to technical, nautical (packet boat), or specific commercial contexts (e.g., seed packet).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (a packet of sugar)V N (drop a packet, lose a packet)ADJ N (a sealed packet, a postal packet)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cost a packet”
- “drop a packet/lose a packet (lose a lot of money)”
- “a packet of trouble”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a pay packet (wages), or a packet of documents.
Academic
Used in computer science and networking (data packets, packet analysis).
Everyday
Most common in British English for food items (packet of tea, cereal packet).
Technical
A fundamental unit in data transmission (TCP/IP packet).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Packet' is not standard as a verb. Use 'pack'.
American English
- 'Packet' is not standard as a verb. Use 'pack'.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- Packet soup is quick but not very nutritious.
- Packet switching is efficient for data networks.
American English
- Packet loss can degrade your internet call quality.
- The instructions are on the packet leaflet.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I bought a packet of biscuits for the tea.
- The seeds come in a small paper packet.
- Could you pass me that packet of sugar, please?
- The internet breaks data into tiny packets.
- He lost a packet on that failed business venture.
- The software analyses each network packet for threats.
- The pay packet barely covered the month's essentials.
- Variable packet delay is a challenge for real-time streaming protocols.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a small PACK you ET (eat) from, like a packet of nuts.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR CONTENT (The packet is the source of what it holds); UNIT OF TRANSFER (Data as discrete packets moving like postal mail).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'packet' as 'пакет' (which is a plastic bag) for all contexts. For computing, use 'пакет' (data packet). For a food packet, consider 'пачка' (e.g., пачка чипсов) or 'коробка'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'packet' for a large box or suitcase (use 'package' or 'suitcase').
- Using 'packet' as a verb (the verb is 'to pack').
- In American English, overusing 'packet' for food items where 'bag' or 'pack' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'packet' used identically in both British and American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for small quantities, often in a sachet or flexible pouch (e.g., a packet of ketchup, a packet of shampoo).
A packet is generally smaller. A package is larger, used for posting/gifting, and is the standard American term for a parcel.
No. The related verb is 'to pack'. 'Packet' is solely a noun.
It's a British term for the envelope or container holding an employee's wages, or figuratively, the wages themselves.