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

In a corner of their ramshackle tent in southern Gaza, Ghaidaa Qudaih and her family keep a baby stroller and three backpacks filled with clothes, diapers, milk and other necessities close at hand.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In a video on Palestinian Maan news agency, his mother said that he had spent the day at school and had been showing off his new backpack before going out.

Read more on BBC

At he sat on the bench with only his backpack beside him, Verwey looked out at the wetlands and the mountains rising beyond the water.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He was carrying a small black and orange backpack.

Read more on BBC

His clothes are clean, and he’s wearing a backpack.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• knapsack