padding

noun

pad·​ding ˈpa-diŋ How to pronounce padding (audio)
: 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 Garden Guru Cushioned Knee Pads These surprisingly stylish and ergonomic knee pads have a thick foam padding that cradles your knees. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2024 The black slip-on style has removable padding, and they’re designed with a tread on the bottom to prevent slipping. Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024 One episode shows us the events of the series so far from another perspective, which on the one hand helps provide clarity to what Jo is experiencing, but on the other hand feels like padding, because many of its points have been made multiple times already. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 These are more supportive than your average sandal, with just the right amount of arch support for stability and some foam padding in the insole for comfort. Jessica Booth, Parents, 5 Apr. 2024 European auteurs, such as Thomas Ostermeier and Ivo van Hove, have had success burning away what impatient modern audiences might consider novelistic padding. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 This sleep mask features high-grade, long-fiber mulberry silk wrapped around plush foam padding. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2024 The bra boasts smooth and thick coverage without any uncomfortable padding. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 Men and women were cinched at the waist, teetering on heels, bursting with padding and furnished with chest plates; faces were glazed over by makeup artist Pat McGrath to create a porcelain finish. Trey Taylor, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'padding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of padding was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near padding

Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padding. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

padding

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

More from Merriam-Webster on padding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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