backpack

noun back·pack \ ˈbak-ˌpak \

Updated on: 18 May 2018

Definition of backpack

1 a : 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

See backpack defined for English-language learners

See backpack defined for kids

Examples of backpack in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of backpack from the Web

After rifling through the student’s backpack, locker and car — and searching the student — officials concluded there was no bomb, and that police had misheard what the tipster had said.

— jared gilmour, miamiherald, "Student had a bong in his car, tipster said. Massachusetts police heard ‘bomb.’ | Miami Herald," 11 May 2018
The blue Jersey devil mostly remains zipped up in Uchenna’s backpack, the villains hastily introduced and escaped from within a few pages, and the greater mission still unclear and ahead.

— karen valby, New York Times, "Turning Myths and Fairy Tales on Their Heads," 4 May 2018
Once inside, police say, Carter tried to take the victim's backpack, which sparked the struggle.

— marie simoneaux, NOLA.com, "Man wanted in Treme stabbing, armed robbery: NOPD," 1 May 2018
Guzman has included a backpack, towels and a comforter according to her family's needs.

— frank shyong, latimes.com, "These boxes are a billion-dollar industry of homesickness for Filipinos overseas," 28 Apr. 2018
Police took the gun and Barber's backpack, and transported him to UAB for medical attention.

— ivana hrynkiw, AL.com, "Judge: Death of Huffman High student not intentional but 'extremely reckless'," 27 Apr. 2018
Miniaturized migrants, weathered and dirty and carrying backpacks, walk past the merchandise laid out on the ground.

— kerry cardoza, Chicago Reader, "The American dream, in frosting: the art of Yvette Mayorga," 25 Apr. 2018
Two backpacks with amphetamine/methamphetamine and five items of drug/narcotic paraphernalia found, 1800 block Main Street.

— Ramona Sentinel, "Sheriff's Reports: April 15-23," 25 Apr. 2018
Other Central Florida school districts still send home paper report cards — typically in student backpacks, not by mail, however — though the Seminole County school district has eliminated them for high school students.

— leslie postal, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Lake schools scrap paper report cards, rely on online grade system," 23 Apr. 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.

First Known Use of backpack

1897

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

backpack Synonyms

Synonyms

knapsack, pack, packsack, rucksack;

Related Words

haversack;

carryall, carry-on, grip, handbag, suitcase, traveling bag;

fanny pack, school bag, seabag;

overnight bag, overnight case, weekend bag;

backpack

verb

Definition of backpack

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to hike with a backpack

—

backpacker

noun

See backpack defined for English-language learners

Examples of backpack in a Sentence

After college, she backpacked through Europe.
We're planning to go backpacking in a national park this summer.

Recent Examples of backpack from the Web

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
Early In prime locations in the Mountain West, backpacking season has three reliable months: July, August, and September.

— andrew skurka, Outside Online, "More Backpacking, Less Planning," 1 May 2018
McWilliams, who has been backpacking across the U.S. and Canada for the past few years, also managed to beat 1 in 2.1 million odds of being injured by a bear.

— brian j. skerry, National Geographic, "Man Bit by Shark, Bear, and Snake Had Odds of 893 Quadrillion to One," 24 Apr. 2018
British citizens Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were backpacking on the island before they were discovered dead on a beach in 2014.

— kathleen joyce, Fox News, "Backpacker says she was drugged, raped on Thailand's ‘death island’," 10 Apr. 2018
Equally good for backpacking trips or car camping, this panel pack can collect the sun’s rays while strapped to your backpack or sitting on the dash of your car.

— rebecca straus, Sunset, "10 Seriously Cool High-Tech Camping Gadgets," 22 Jan. 2018
Boyle and his wife were kidnapped in October 2012 while backpacking in Afghanistan.

— Washington Post, "World Digest: Jan. 8, 2018," 8 Jan. 2018
Early press for the New York band mentioned their wondrous first encounter, meeting on a train while backpacking across Canada, trying to watch a meteor shower.

— chris payne, Billboard, "Exitmusic Premieres Gorgeous Indie Rock Epic 'Iowa': Listen," 21 Mar. 2018
Huffman, after leaving Condé Nast, spent a few months backpacking in Costa Rica, then founded a travel company called Hipmunk.

— jane mayer, The New Yorker, "Reddit and the Struggle to Detoxify the Internet," 12 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of backpack

1899

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

BACKPACK Defined for English Language Learners

backpack

noun

Definition of backpack for English Language Learners

: a bag for carrying things that has two shoulder straps and is carried on the back

backpack

verb

Definition of backpack for English Language Learners

: to hike or travel with a backpack

BACKPACK Defined for Kids

backpack

noun back·pack \ ˈbak-ˌpak \

Definition of backpack for Students

: a bag worn on the back for carrying things

Learn More about backpack

See words that rhyme with backpack Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for backpack Spanish Central: Translation of backpack Nglish: Translation of backpack for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of backpack for Arabic speakers

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backpack

Definition of backpack

Examples of backpack in a Sentence

Recent Examples of backpack from the Web

First Known Use of backpack

backpack Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

backpack

Definition of backpack

backpacker

Examples of backpack in a Sentence

Recent Examples of backpack from the Web

First Known Use of backpack

BACKPACK Defined for English Language Learners

backpack

Definition of backpack for English Language Learners

backpack

Definition of backpack for English Language Learners

BACKPACK Defined for Kids

backpack

Definition of backpack for Students

Learn More about backpack

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