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

I’ll throw a hooded sweatshirt in my backpack, too, especially if it’s going to be windy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

“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

Brooke Day was using a chairlift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Otari, Nagano prefecture, when part of her backpack got tangled in the lift, leaving her suspended in midair.

From BBC • 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

Hands trembling, I pulled my book from my backpack and stared at the words as they began to swim before me.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Related Words

• knapsack