backpack

1 of 2

noun

back·​pack ˈbak-ˌpak 

plural backpacks

1

a

: a pack (see pack entry 1 sense 1a) that usually has two shoulder straps and is carried on the back: such as

(1)

: a large pack (as of canvas or nylon) that is supported by an external or internal frame (as of aluminum) and is used especially for carrying supplies when hiking and camping

The logistics of the trip required that I carry all my stuff in a backpack. Since I didn't want to lug too heavy a load on the hiking leg of the trip, I pared way down.

—Daisann McLane

(2)

: a bag or small pack (as of canvas, polyester, or nylon) used for carrying personal belongings or supplies : knapsack

I rode my bicycle to the market and rode home with my backpack full of exotic lettuces and basil-garlic baguettes.

—Meredith Maran

Each morning, tens of thousands of moms load phones, along with homework, into the backpacks of schoolchildren.

—Michael Specter

b

: a load carried on the back

2

: a piece of equipment designed for use while being carried on the back

By wearing a jet-propelled "space backpack," astronauts will be able to move freely in space, making it possible to build, repair, and maintain craft in orbit …

—Businessweek

I'm soaring above the central Sahara in a powered paraglider, a single-seat aircraft that looks like a flying lawn chair. Developed in France, it combines an inflated, parachute-like wing with a 50-pound motorized backpack.

—George Steinmetz

backpack

2 of 2

verb

backpacked; backpacking; backpacks

transitive verb

: to carry (food or equipment) on the back especially in hiking

We had to backpack everything to last the week.

intransitive verb

: to hike with a backpack

backpacker noun

Synonyms of backpack

Noun

• suitcase
• pack
• rucksack
• knapsack

Examples of backpack in a Sentence

Noun

stuffed her backpack with so many books that she could barely walk

Verb

After college, she backpacked through Europe.

We're planning to go backpacking in a national park this summer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sovann has had a series of procedures to clear her lungs and keeps supplemental oxygen in her backpack. —Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 26 May 2026

This results in a pile-up of backpacks, jackets, and purses on entryway chairs, the bottom of the stairs, and kitchen counters. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026

Verb

Adventurers can backpack the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail, which runs along the island’s spine, or paddle between backcountry campsites while watching for moose along the shore. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026

Rocha has faded tattoos on his forearm and bicep, and may have a black or navy blue canvas backpack with him. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for backpack

• aback
• attack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback
• dieback

Kids Definition

backpack

1 of 2 noun

back·​pack ˈbak-ˌpak 

: a camping pack carried on the back

also : knapsack

backpack

2 of 2 verb

: to hike with a backpack

backpacker noun