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

In the last year, Make Great Plays has conducted backpack and supply drives that outfitted more than 100 students and spent classroom time with students to increase computer literacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Then he grabbed a change of clothes from his bag, tossed them in his backpack.

From Literature

Shoving away the queasy feeling that’s creeping into my gut, I slip my weekend essentials into my backpack along with my Moleskine sketchbook, my drawing pencils, and my chemistry textbook.

From Literature

“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

She got a job, found a partner, started running, and booked backpacking trips.

From BBC

Related Words

• knapsack