plastic wrap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “plastic wrap” mean?
A thin, flexible, transparent plastic film used for sealing or covering food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin, flexible, transparent plastic film used for sealing or covering food.
1) (General) Any similar thin plastic film used for wrapping or protecting items. 2) (Metaphorical) Something superficial that provides a fragile or temporary barrier.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'plastic wrap' is standard in American English. In British English, 'cling film' is the dominant term; 'plastic wrap' may be understood but sounds American.
Connotations
In American contexts, 'plastic wrap' is neutral and standard. In British contexts, 'plastic wrap' may sound slightly technical or like a direct description rather than the product name.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE (everyday); lower frequency in BrE, where 'cling film' is preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “plastic wrap” in a Sentence
wrap X in plastic wrapcover X with plastic wrapseal X (with plastic wrap)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plastic wrap” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Wrap the sandwiches in cling film before the picnic.
- She carefully filmed the bowl with cling film.
American English
- Make sure to plastic-wrap the casserole dish tightly.
- He wrapped the leftovers in plastic wrap.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standard usage).
American English
- N/A (Not standard usage).
adjective
British English
- A cling-film-covered bowl sat on the counter.
- The cling film lid wasn't very secure.
American English
- The plastic-wrapped sandwiches were ready to go.
- She peeled back the plastic-wrap seal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In logistics: 'The pallet was secured with industrial-grade plastic wrap.'
Academic
In environmental studies: 'The environmental impact of single-use plastic wrap is significant.'
Everyday
Could you pass me the plastic wrap? I need to cover these leftovers.
Technical
In packaging: 'The product is hermetically sealed in a layer of BOPP plastic wrap.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plastic wrap”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plastic wrap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plastic wrap”
- Using 'plastic wrap' as a verb ('I plastic wrapped the bowl' - better: 'I wrapped the bowl in plastic wrap').
- Confusing it with 'bubble wrap' (which has air bubbles for protection).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same product. 'Cling film' is the common term in British English, while 'plastic wrap' is standard in American English.
It is colloquially used as a verb in phrases like 'plastic-wrap it,' but more standard phrasing is 'wrap it in plastic wrap.'
Plastic wrap is transparent, flexible, and sticks to itself. Aluminium foil is opaque, metallic, and provides a stronger barrier against light and air, but doesn't cling.
No. You must check the packaging. Some plastic wrap can melt or release chemicals when heated. Microwave-safe varieties are specifically labelled.
A thin, flexible, transparent plastic film used for sealing or covering food.
Plastic wrap is usually neutral in register.
Plastic wrap: in British English it is pronounced /ˌplæstɪk ˈræp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌplæstɪk ˈræp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shrink-wrapped (related concept)”
- “Under wraps (idiom for secrecy, not directly related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of WRAPPING something in PLASTIC.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION/PRESERVATION IS A TRANSPARENT BARRIER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common British English equivalent for 'plastic wrap'?