Hi Soffy, I think you have asked an interesting question which really set me thinking. Andrew is right when he stated that "pack" functions as both noun and verb. "Package" can also be used as either noun or verb in sentence construction. I think it is the usage of these words that befuddle many of us. A "pack" refers to the organising and grouping of objects, especially when we want to shift them elsewhere. That is used as a verb. Example: Pack (verb) your personal belongings before you check out from the hotel. There are two packs (noun). Pick one. Sometimes, we use "pack" when we talk about a collection of things. Example: What he told the judge was a pack of lies! "Package" is a group of items placed in a container such as a box or case. In this case, it is a noun. Example: You have a package (noun) waiting for collection at the Post Office. You can use "package" as a verb to refer to the act of putting things into a package. Example: We have to package (verb) these goodies using attractive wrapping paper. Hope this helps. Cheers, Lance

Package is a noun but pack can be a noun or a verb (i.e. I am going to pack my suitcase). When pack is used as a noun there is a difference between pack and package that is a bit hard to explain. In general, I think of a package more as something that is sent (a parcel as Wenwei says) "I received a package in the mail", so your wedding ring example is correct. I think your meat example is also correct (a pack of meat) but would not use "package of meat".

Hmm. This is kind of hard to explain. I can say that I wouldn't use "pack" to denote sending a "pack" of wedding rings because a package is more like a parcel. I'll let other community members expand this :)

I'll just focus on the noun, and add that in the UK you'd probably just say "some meat" or "<some weight of> <specific meat>" (e.g. "a pound of brisket"). In the UK, food comes in "packets" rather than "packages". In the US, it's the opposite. So in the US you might well say "a package of meat". In both countries a "pack" can also mean something you carry on your back (backpack). In both countries, as others have already said, you put "packages" in the mail/post (but there the word means something wrapped and taped up, not a container of food).