overpack

English

Etymology

From over- +‎ pack.

Verb

overpack (third-person singular simple present overpacks, present participle overpacking, simple past and past participle overpacked)

1. (intransitive) To pack too much.

   Antonym: underpack

   • 2000 March 12, Julia Duffy Ward, “On the Road to Reform: The Traveler Within”, in The New York Times‎:

     The opportunity to start over reawakens the belief that I can become someone else -- an organized, thrifty, wise, elegant, worldly traveler, rather than the disorganized, frumpy, overpacked and harried traveler that I am.

   • 2007 November 23, Claudia La Rocco, “Ballet and African Steps, Delivered at Warp Speed”, in The New York Times‎:

     The mix of ballet vocabulary, modern techniques and African steps is familiar, but the extent to which Mr. Rhoden packs — and overpacks — phrases, cultivates warp-speed delivery and hyperextends every possible hip jut and arabesque is, thank goodness, something special to Complexions.

   • 2008 May 14, Matt Gross, “What is in Matt’s Duffel Bag?”, in The New York Times‎:

     The truth is, I tend to overpack like everyone else, and this summer is no different.

   • 2008 June 15, Michelle Higgins, “Checking Baggage? Not at These Prices”, in The New York Times‎:

     Infrequent travelers tend to overpack, stuffing suitcases full of a different outfit for every day of the week, plus a few extras — just in case.

   • 2022 December 1, Kit Dillon, “How to Maximize Space as You’re Packing”, in Wirecutter‎:

     If you’re prone to overpacking and could use external structure, limit yourself intentionally: Pick a small carry-on bag or travel backpack and stick with it.

Noun

overpack (plural overpacks)

1. A container intended to hold smaller containers.
   • 2011, Minnesota Department of Transportation, “Minnesota Commercial Truck and Passenger Regulations Fact Sheet”, in http://www.dot.state.mn.us/‎, archived from the original on 25 June 2013:

     Each container in an overpack must be a package authorized for that hazardous material in the HMR.

Related terms

• overpacker