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

They asked Clement for alternative grounds on which to rule, and then for backup arguments to those backups.

From Barron's

They asked Clement for alternative grounds on which to rule, and then for backup arguments to those backups.

From Barron's

It’s a good idea to choose a primary person as well as a backup in case that person isn’t available when needed.

From MarketWatch

It bypasses VPN blocks used by streaming services and offers multiple servers in each region, providing backups in case one becomes overloaded or blocked.

From Salon

In September, the House committee released the Jan. 18, 2019, version of Epstein’s will that listed Ruemmler as a backup executor.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• substitute