backpack

noun

back·pack | \ˈbak-ˌpak

Definition of backpack

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a load carried on the back

b : a camping pack (as of canvas or nylon) supported by a usually aluminum frame and carried on the back

c : knapsack

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

backpack

verb

backpacked; backpacking; backpacks

Definition of backpack (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to hike with a backpack

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Synonyms for backpack

Synonyms: Noun

knapsack, pack, packsack, rucksack

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

However, the manuscripts in their backpacks proved to be valuable as well. — refinery29.com, "American Animals," 20 June 2018 No more making room for water bottles in his backpack — or carrying the extra load — to stay hydrated while hiking to his destination. — Brianna Steinhilber /, NBC News, "18 last-minute Father's Day gifts for every type of dad (and every budget)," 12 June 2018 The elevator doors at the back of the otherwise vacant Metro station opened and Benny Feilhaber strode out in the most inconspicuous of outfits — sunglasses, a white T-shirt, a black backpack, grey shorts and sandals. — Dylan Hernandez, latimes.com, "Pushed to the Inland Empire by the high cost of living, LAFC's Benny Feilhaber learned to enjoy his hours-long commute by train," 8 June 2018 Stocker said Hulsey must have put it in his backpack. — Erik S. Hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Cudahy man arrested for harboring fugitive with multiple felony warrants; fugitive also arrested," 31 May 2018 Officer Andrade met with the reportee who stated sometime between 3:15 p.m. May 4 and May 6, an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle parked in the 5000 block of Holly Street, and stole a black backpack. — Houston Chronicle, "Bellaire Police report," 21 May 2018 Alexandra Bui was wearing a black and white backpack, the police department said via Twitter. — Hudson Sangree, sacbee, "Police searching for missing 14-year-old girl last seen in southeastern Sacramento | The Sacramento Bee," 19 Mar. 2018 The goats' backpacks were custom made by Seamus Golf. — Chadd Cripe, idahostatesman, "Goat caddies, a license to cheat and trash-talking rakes. It's all about fun at Silvies.," 11 June 2018 From about $75 to $685 for a special edition piece, the extra-large backpack and travel duffel are $825 and $1,295. — Allison Carey, cleveland.com, "Meet Tony Drockton, Cleveland native, Hammitt handbag founder at Dillard's trunk show (photos)," 10 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The two met in Australia while Lee was backpacking around the world to celebrate her 60th birthday. — Brett Martin, Outside Online, "Katie Lee, Our Lady of Glen Canyon," 24 May 2018 For the past few years, McWilliams, originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been backpacking around the United States and Canada, making money on odd jobs and as an outdoors survival instructor. — Patty Hodapp, Outside Online, "The Man Who Survived a Rattler, Bear, and Shark Attack," 10 July 2018 Here are seven ways to keep your backpacking gear working like new for a long, long time. — Bryan Rogala, Outside Online, "Keep Your Backpacking Gear Working Like New," 24 May 2018 White was backpacking alone and snapped photos of the grizzly before the attack. — Anchorage Daily News, "The killing of an Eagle River hiker marks the 6th fatal bear attack in Alaska in the past 10 years. Here are the others.," 21 June 2018 But for day hiking, overnight backpacking, biking, and cragging, the always-venting hard shell worked really well. — Matt Jancer, Outside Online, "A Eulogy to the Sierra Designs Ultralight Trench," 12 June 2018 The shelters are the closest spot for backpacking for Milwaukeeans, offering a slice of wilderness in the most developed part of the state. — Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "10 remote campsites in Wisconsin for peace and quiet," 14 May 2018 Folks come to backpack for days in the 517,000-acre Trinity Alps Wilderness or to wander along the frothy McCloud River Trail to a series of cascading falls, some as high as 50 feet. — Tim Neville, Outside Online, "The Definitive Guide to Visiting the Pacific Northwest," 24 May 2018 The Chinese government claims Sneddon -- an experienced traveler who had served as a missionary in South Korea -- plunged to his death while backpacking through Tiger Leaping Gorge and drowned. — Alex Diaz, Fox News, "North Korea, Trump have more than nukes to discuss at historic sit-down, experts say," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backpack.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.