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

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

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

Donning a borrowed Hitler Youth uniform for a disguise, the 11-year-old boy would carry coded notes in his blue knapsack.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2021

I watched him drive his horse and cart and my letter away down the paving stones, then hoisted a packed knapsack onto my back.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

• duffel bag
• satchel