backup

American  

[bak-uhp] / ˈbækˌʌp /

noun

1. a person or thing that supports or reinforces another.

2. a musician or singer or group of musicians or singers accompanying a soloist.

   a singer with a three-man backup that plays cello, bass, and guitar.

3. an overflow or accumulation due to stoppage, malfunctioning, etc..

   a sewage backup; a backup of cars at the tollbooth.

4. a person, plan, device, etc., kept in reserve to serve as a substitute, if needed.

5. Computers.

   1. a copy or duplicate version, especially of a file, program, or entire computer system, retained for use in the event that the original is in some way rendered unusable.

   2. a procedure to follow in such an event.

6. Bowling. a ball that curves in a direction corresponding to the bowling hand of the bowler.

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adjective

1. (of a person, plan, device, etc.) held in reserve as a substitute if needed.

   a backup driver; a backup generator.

2. performing a secondary or supporting function.

   A drummer and guitarist are the singer's backup musicians.

Usage

See login.

Etymology

Origin of backup

1775–85, noun use of verb phrase back up

Example Sentences

He also said he had a backup plan.

From MarketWatch

Some crave adventure while others see the planet as a backup home in the event that Earth is rendered uninhabitable by an asteroid strike or runaway climate change.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some sign long-term, firm supply contracts because they need guaranteed service and lack backup energy sources.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jack Hughes showed the Americans' class when he scored off the pad of Denmark backup goalie Frederik Dickow after rounding a Danish defender and skating behind the net before firing his shot.

From Barron's

"The market will likely remain difficult for years, not just months, so we need backup plans."

From Barron's

Related Words

• substitute