Pack: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽ’
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pack

 

[ pรฆk ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

group of items

A pack is a group of items that have been bundled or wrapped together for convenience, transport, or storage. Packs can vary in size and shape depending on the items being bundled. They are commonly used for hiking, camping, or traveling.

Synonyms

bundle, package, sack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pack

Usually used when referring to a collection of items, often for travel or shipping. Can also be used as a verb meaning to gather and store items.

  • I need to pack my luggage for the trip.
  • The wolves hunt in a pack.
bundle

Often used when items are tightly bound together, such as sheaves of papers or sticks.

  • The magazine came with a bundle of coupons.
  • She tied the sticks into a bundle.
package

Typically refers to a parcel prepared for shipment or delivery. It can also mean a comprehensive collection of items or services.

  • I received a package from my friend today.
  • The software package includes several useful tools.
sack

Mostly used to describe a large bag, often made of sturdy material, used for carrying bulk items such as groceries or mail. Can also have a negative connotation when used as a verb meaning to dismiss someone from their job.

  • He carried a sack of potatoes over his shoulder.
  • The company decided to sack several employees due to budget cuts.

Examples of usage

  • The hiker carried a pack containing food, water, and a first aid kit.
  • She packed a small pack with her essentials for the weekend trip.
  • The pack was heavy but necessary for the journey ahead.
Context #2 | Noun

group of animals

In the animal kingdom, a pack refers to a group of animals that live, travel, or hunt together. These social groups often have a hierarchical structure with dominant and submissive members. Wolves, for example, are known to form packs for hunting and raising their young.

Synonyms

flock, group, herd.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pack

Describes a collection of items or belongings as well. Usually implies a collection for travel or use.

  • She carried a small pack for her overnight trip.
  • He opened a new pack of gum.
group

A general term that can refer to any collection of people, animals, or things. It's the most versatile and neutral option.

  • There was a group of tourists at the museum.
  • A group of friends decided to go hiking for the weekend.
herd

Often used for large groups of herbivorous animals like cows, elephants, or deer. Itโ€™s usually applied in a farming or wildlife context.

  • The farmer brought in his herd of cattle for milking.
  • A herd of elephants was spotted at the waterhole.
flock

Typically refers to a group of birds or sheep. It's often used in a pastoral or rural context.

  • A flock of birds flew across the sky at dawn.
  • The shepherd guided his flock to the meadow.

Examples of usage

  • The wolf pack worked together to bring down a large elk.
  • Lions are known for their strong social bonds within the pride pack.
  • The pack of hyenas scavenged for food in the savanna.
Context #3 | Verb

to put items into a container

To pack means to put items into a container or suitcase for storage, transport, or shipment. Packing efficiently is important to maximize space and protect fragile items. It can also refer to compressing items tightly to fit more into a limited space.

Synonyms

fill, load, stuff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pack

Suitable for situations where you are organizing items into a container, typically for travel or moving purposes.

  • I need to pack my suitcase for the trip.
  • She packs her children's lunch every morning.
load

Appropriate for situations where you are putting items into a vehicle, machine, or system, often for transportation or processing.

  • They loaded the truck with furniture for the move.
  • Please load the washing machine and start the cycle.
stuff

Typically used in informal contexts where you are putting items into a container or space quickly or without much organization. Can have a negative connotation if implying carelessness.

  • He stuffed all the clothes into the drawer.
  • Don't just stuff everything into your bag; organize it properly.
fill

Used when you are placing substances or items into a container until it's full.

  • Can you fill the bottle with water?
  • The tank is almost empty; we need to fill it with gas.

Examples of usage

  • She carefully packed her clothes into the suitcase for the trip.
  • The movers packed the fragile items with extra padding to prevent breakage.
  • He had to pack everything he owned into boxes for the move.

Translations

Translations of the word "pack" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pacote

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅˆเค•เฅ‡เคœ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Paket

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ paket

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐะบะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pakiet

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‘ใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท paquet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ paquete

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท paket

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŒฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุฒู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ balรญฤek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ balรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŒ…่ฃน

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ paket

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ pakki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐะบะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒ™แƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ paket

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ paquete

Etymology

The word 'pack' has a long history, with its origins dating back to Middle English and Old French. It has evolved over time to encompass a variety of meanings related to grouping, bundling, and storing items. The use of 'pack' to describe a group of animals can be traced to early hunting practices and observations of social behavior in the animal kingdom. Today, 'pack' remains a versatile word used in various contexts across different fields.

See also: package, packaging, packed, packer, packet, packing, unpack.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,665, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.