padding

noun

pad·​ding ˈpa-diŋ How to pronounce padding (audio)
Synonyms of paddingnext
: material with which something is padded

Examples of padding in a Sentence

the padding on the seat of the chairs These shoes have extra padding in the heel. If you remove the padding from his speech you can see that he offers no new ideas.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company also sells pole padding to prevent any injuries. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 Designed to provide support for comfortable wear, this backpack is fitted with mesh padding at the back that’ll keep you cool during even the warmest travel days. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026 Concerned that the lack of padding might be a deal breaker? Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 The baseball got on Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter in a hurry and Carpenter ran into the outfield padding. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for padding

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of padding was in 1640

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padding. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

padding

noun
pad·​ding
ˈpad-iŋ
: material used to pad something

More from Merriam-Webster on padding

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster