backpack

[bak-pak]

noun

1. a pack or knapsack, often of canvas or nylon, to be carried on one's back, sometimes supported on a lightweight metal frame strapped to the body.

2. a piece of equipment designed to be used while being carried on the back.

verb (used without object)

1. to go on a hike, using a backpack.

   We went backpacking in the Adirondacks.

verb (used with object)

1. to place or carry in a backpack or on one's back.

backpack

/ ˈbækˌpæk /

noun

1. a rucksack or knapsack

2. a pack carried on the back of an astronaut, containing oxygen cylinders, essential supplies, etc

verb

1. (intr) to travel about or go hiking with a backpack

2. (tr) to transport (food or equipment) by backpack

Other Word Forms

• backpacker noun
• backpacking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backpack¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back ¹ + pack ¹

Example Sentences

Among them, he recalled: “Mate, have you got a backpack?”

From Los Angeles Times

A patriotic backpack with the Venezuelan flag colors and stars.

From Los Angeles Times

On a flight from Lihue, HI, to Los Angeles International Airport in July, a passenger’s e-cigarette overheated inside their backpack, according to an FAA report of the incident.

From Los Angeles Times

Agents would go back later and see if the backpack contained drugs, an analyst said.

From Los Angeles Times

So I had a lot of tools in my backpack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• knapsack