padding

noun

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

Synonyms of padding

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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.
Why is this padding so persistent? — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 As French went back to make the play, his glove got lodged under the padding running across the top of the fence. — ABC News, 20 June 2026 Start with this now-$10 jelly bra with a wireless design and padding for natural-looking support. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 The stock market continues to shrug off geopolitical concern and hit record highs, padding people’s 401(k)s and retirement accounts. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 19 June 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

Rhymes for padding

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Browse Nearby Words

paddiest
padding
padding stitch
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Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padding. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

padding

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

More from Merriam-Webster on padding

Nglish: Translation of padding for Spanish Speakers

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