mochila

American  

[moh-chee-luh] / moʊˈtʃi lə /

noun

1. a flap of leather on the seat of a saddle, used as a covering and sometimes as a base to which saddlebags are attached.

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Etymology

Origin of mochila

1855–60, < Spanish: literally, knapsack, derivative of mochil errand boy < Basque motxil, diminutive of motil, mutil boy, servant < Latin mutilus mutilated (from the custom of shaving boys' heads)

Example Sentences

For Ms Aguilar, both domestic mochila sales and exports have improved conditions in her rural Wayuu community of 11 families, and enabled her daughter and niece to attend university.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

She founded mochila company Chila Bags back in 2013.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

Oh, yeah, it was “La niña de la mochila azul” and it’s a classic Pedro Fernandez song.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2024

Por aquel entonces, su hijo tenía 7 años y ya llevaba media docena de gruesos libros de texto en la mochila.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2023

The courier would already have loosed his mochila, which he tossed ahead for the keeper to adjust on the fresh horse, before dismounting.

From The Story of the Pony Express by Bradley, Glenn D. (Glenn Danford)