padding
UK: ˈpædɪŋ | US: ˈpædɪŋ
n. soft material used to fill or protect something
n. extra content added to meet a requirement (e.g., in writing or data)
vt. the act of adding such material or content
The word "padding" derives from the verb "pad," which originally meant "to stuff or fill with soft material" (16th century). The root "pad" likely comes from Low German or Dutch "pad" (sole of the foot, cushion), reflecting its use for protective layering. The suffix "-ing" turns it into a noun describing either the material itself or the action of adding it. Over time, "padding" expanded metaphorically to include superfluous content in texts or data.
The jacket has extra padding in the shoulders for comfort.
Her essay included unnecessary padding to meet the word count.
The technician is padding the equipment with foam to prevent damage.
Critics accused the report of being full of statistical padding.
He removed the seat’s old padding and replaced it with memory foam.