/ ˈpækɪdʒ; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
( especially NAmE ) = parcel :
A large package has arrived for you.
—compare pack
2.
( NAmE ) a box, bag, etc. in which things are wrapped or packed; the contents of a box etc. :
Check the list of ingredients on the side of the package.
a package of hamburger buns
—compare packet
3.
(also ˈpackage deal ) a set of items or ideas that must be bought or accepted together :
a benefits package
an aid package
a package of measures to help small businesses
4.
(also ˈsoftware package ) ( computing ) a set of related programs for a particular type of task, sold and used as a single unit :
The system came with a database software package.
■ verb [ vn ] [ often passive ]
1.
package sth (up) to put sth into a box, bag, etc. to be sold or transported :
packaged food / goods
We package our products in recyclable materials.
The orders were already packaged up, ready to be sent.
2.
package sb/sth (as sth) to present sb/sth in a particular way :
an attempt to package news as entertainment
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent. (as a noun denoting the action or mode of packing goods): from the verb pack + -age ; compare with Anglo-Latin paccagium . The verb dates from the 1920s.