knapsack

American  

[nap-sak] / ˈnæpˌsæk /

noun

1. a canvas, nylon, or leather bag for clothes, food, and other supplies, carried on the back by soldiers, hikers, etc.

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knapsack British  

/ ˈnæpˌsæk /

noun

1. a canvas or leather bag carried strapped on the back or shoulder

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Other Word Forms

• knapsacked adjective

Etymology

Origin of knapsack

1595–1605; < Low German knappsack, equivalent to knapp a bite (of food) + sack sack ¹; compare dialectal English knap to snap up, eat greedily

Explanation

A knapsack is a bag with two straps that you wear over your shoulders, leaving your arms free. Don't forget your knapsack when you head out on that hiking trip! You can also call a knapsack a "backpack" or a "rucksack." The word knapsack is thought to be the oldest of these terms, and while "backpack" is more often used today in the U.S., knapsack is more common in Canada. It comes from the German knappen, "to bite," and some experts believe that the name evolved from the fact that soldiers carried food in their knapsacks.

Example Sentences

They strapped on a machine that looks a bit like a knapsack and provides a robotic boost for the lower back.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2024

After Palacios opened his knapsack, he removed the picnic lunch he had prepared that morning — quesadillas with ham, cheese and nopalitos.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2023

The Champagne — worth $2,900 in all — was pulled out of Gonzalez’ knapsack and returned to the guests who had ordered it, according to prosecutors.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2023

Adelekan said the man’s knapsack was blown up in a controlled explosion after the suspect told officers to handle it with care.

From Washington Times • May 3, 2023

I take out a scrap of bread, eat the white and put the crust back in my knapsack; from time to time I nibble at it.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque

Related Words

• duffel bag
• satchel