backpack

American  

[bak-pak] / ˈbækˌpæk /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈbækˌpæk /

noun

1. a rucksack or knapsack

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

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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

Etymology

Origin of backpack

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

Example Sentences

“The Grace Blackwell system is nearly two tons, and so you’re not going to be putting that in your pocket or your backpack anytime soon,” he said, referring to the chip maker’s latest-generation AI platform.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

Two heavily pixelated images taken from surveillance footage show a person with their face concealed, dressed in dark clothing and carrying a backpack.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

A backpack carried by the masked man at Nancy Guthrie’s door may not have been bought at Walmart, as originally believed, but may have been purchased on a secondary market such as EBay, Nanos said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Their purported evidence: snapshots discovered in Ms. Nichter’s backpack of her with Israeli friends in army garb.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Hannah opens up her backpack, and Cam sorts through the key chains, searching for the four that call to him.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• knapsack