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

Example Sentences

The blaze was brought under control by 22:30 using jets, beaters and knapsacks.

From BBC

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

From Science Daily

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

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

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

Related Words

• duffel bag
• satchel