backpack

[ bak-pak ]

/ ˈbækˌpæk /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: backpack / backpacked / backpacking / backpacker on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

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

verb (used without object)

to go on a hike, using a backpack: We went backpacking in the Adirondacks.

verb (used with object)

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

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of backpack

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back¹ + pack¹

OTHER WORDS FROM backpack

backpacker, noun

Words nearby backpack

back of one's hand, back of one's mind, back on one's feet, back order, back out, backpack, back-paddle, back pass, back passage, back-patting, back pay

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use backpack in a sentence

Self-adhesive laminating sheets don’t require additional equipment and are perfect for small jobs like ensuring school schedules, awards, and crafts can hold up after being stuffed into a backpack with sticky fingers.
Laminating sheets that organize and protect your documents and more|PopSci Commerce Team|February 5, 2021|Popular-Science
In these scenarios, we use our backpacks to carry skis and keep our hands free.
How to Carry Skis in the Backcountry|Outside Editors|February 3, 2021|Outside Online
When JHMR shut down in March of 2020, Kingwill strapped his snowboard to his backpack and hiked up Teton Pass’s infamous 1,300-foot Glory Boot Pack—every day for 77 days until all the snow had melted.
What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Says About the Country|Lucas Isakowitz|February 1, 2021|Time
In this video, they cover bindings, boots, skis, poles, skins, backpacks, and safety necessities to help you make informed decisions when purchasing equipment to get started.
Ski Gear Options for Backcountry Skiing|Outside Editors|January 31, 2021|Outside Online

Now it was 110 degrees, and under his backpack, his “large mammalian self,” as Peter called his body, was more than just overheating.
The Climate Crisis Is Worse Than You Can Imagine. Here’s What Happens If You Try.|by Elizabeth Weil|January 25, 2021|ProPublica
In his backpack, which police say he dropped before fleeing, they recovered three hammers in plastic wrapping.
The High-Priced Union Rep Charged With Attacking a Cop|Jacob Siegel|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But he loses his backpack in the process and it stays with the cops as he flees down the walkway toward Brooklyn.
Protesters Slimed This Good Samaritan Cop|Michael Daly|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The police inspected the backpack and found two brand new hammers.
Protesters Slimed This Good Samaritan Cop|Michael Daly|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Put this 65-pound backpack on and run up the hill nine or ten times.'
Exclusive: The Making of Reese Witherspoon’s Golden Globe-Nominated ‘Wild’|Marlow Stern|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Her backpack is even stolen by somebody riding along on a motorcycle.
‘Left Behind’ Review: Nicolas Cage’s Bible Movie Is God-Awful|Matthew Paul Turner|October 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They had a little table between them with the contents of my wallet and backpack spread out on it.
Little Brother|Cory Doctorow
Laughing, he picked up his backpack, turned on his heel and hurried away.
Little Brother|Cory Doctorow
"Handsome glassware," Auguste said, seating himself and carefully setting his backpack between his feet.
Shaman|Robert Shea
Opening his backpack, he took out his leather medicine bag and drew out the stones one by one, rubbing his fingers over each.
Shaman|Robert Shea

British Dictionary definitions for backpack

backpack

/ (ˈbækˌpæk) /

noun

a rucksack or knapsack

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

verb

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

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

Derived forms of backpack

backpacker, nounbackpacking, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

backpack

Origin of backpack

OTHER WORDS FROM backpack

Words nearby backpack

Words related to backpack

How to use backpack in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for backpack

Derived forms of backpack