© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

dunnage

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈdʌnɪdʒ/

KK: /ˈdʌnɪdʒ/

noun
Definition

Loose materials used to support and protect items during shipping or transport.


Example

The workers carefully placed dunnage around the fragile items to prevent damage during transit.


Conversation
Sloth A
I just learned about something called dunnage in shipping.
Sloth B
Oh really? What is it used for?
Sloth A
It's basically loose materials that help protect cargo inside a container.
Sloth B
That makes sense! I didn't know they had a specific name for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
padding
filler
support
Antonyms
weight
burden
load
Root Explanation

Dunnage originates from Middle English 'dunnage', which is derived from the Old French 'donage', meaning a kind of packing or padding. The word refers to material used to protect goods during transport.

Memory Tip

Think of 'padding' or 'packing' to remember that 'dunnage' is the material used to protect items during shipping.

Visually Confused Words
punnage
gunnage
unnagged
Is this page helpful?