backpack

1 of 2

noun

back·​pack ˈbak-ˌpak How to pronounce backpack (audio)
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 …Business Week
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

intransitive verb

: to hike with a backpack
backpacker noun

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
Plus, messenger and backpacks made from ultra-resilient fabrics, and footwear crafted in the Dior ateliers—see the retro-futuristic B44 Blade sneakers and adapted Derbys crafted in the Dior ateliers for snow stomps. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Quince Italian Leather Pouch Travel Set $70 Quince The jetsetter in your life will be thrilled to pop this two-piece travel gift set into their tote, gym backpack, or weekender. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024
Verb
What’s the difference between hiking boots and backpacking boots? Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 18 Oct. 2024 The living room is a little bit of a disaster with M.’s backpacking stuff. R29 Team, refinery29.com, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backpack 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backpack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of backpack was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near backpack

Cite this Entry

“Backpack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpack. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

backpack

1 of 2 noun
back·​pack ˈbak-ˌpak How to pronounce backpack (audio)
: a camping pack carried on the back
also : knapsack

backpack

2 of 2 verb
: to hike with a backpack
backpacker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on backpack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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