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

Derived Forms

• ˈbackˌpacking, noun
• ˈbackˌpacker, noun

Other Words From

• backpacker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backpack¹

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

Example Sentences

In his backpack, which police say he dropped before fleeing, they recovered three hammers in plastic wrapping.

From The Daily Beast

But he loses his backpack in the process and it stays with the cops as he flees down the walkway toward Brooklyn.

From The Daily Beast

The police inspected the backpack and found two brand new hammers.

From The Daily Beast

Put this 65-pound backpack on and run up the hill nine or ten times.'

From The Daily Beast

Her backpack is even stolen by somebody riding along on a motorcycle.

From The Daily Beast

They had a little table between them with the contents of my wallet and backpack spread out on it.

From Project Gutenberg

Laughing, he picked up his backpack, turned on his heel and hurried away.

From Project Gutenberg

"Handsome glassware," Auguste said, seating himself and carefully setting his backpack between his feet.

From Project Gutenberg

Opening his backpack, he took out his leather medicine bag and drew out the stones one by one, rubbing his fingers over each.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• knapsack