What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
datagram
Example
The datagram was sent to the server for processing. [datagram: noun]
Example
The client received a datagram from the server. [datagram: noun]
packet
Example
The packet was lost during transmission. [packet: noun]
Example
The router is responsible for forwarding packets to their destination. [packet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Packet is a more commonly used term than datagram in networking contexts. Packet is a versatile term that can refer to any unit of data transmitted over a network, while datagram is a specific type of packet used in connectionless protocols.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between datagram and packet?
Both datagram and packet are formal terms used in technical contexts, such as computer networking and telecommunications.
