1. loose materials used to protect cargo from damage during shipping
Usage: nautical; shipping
2. personal belongings or baggage
Usage: informal; dated

Examples

• The crew loaded dunnage around the fragile equipment to prevent shifting.
• Wood shavings and foam padding served as dunnage for the delicate instruments.
• The sailor packed his dunnage into a canvas bag.
• Extra dunnage was needed to secure the cargo in the ship’s hold.
• The moving company used blankets and bubble wrap as dunnage.
• He gathered his dunnage before leaving the barracks.