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
That pistol was one of the guns found at Union Station following the shooting along a wall with a backpack, next to two AR-15-style rifles and backpacks. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024 In that case, grab this No. 1 best-selling sling backpack in one of five colors. Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024 Hernandez provided previous examples of Doral social media channels promoting events for the previous district school board member, including backpack giveaways. Joey Flechas, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024 Ohtani slipped on a backpack and was escorted to the dining room by Jon Weisman, the vice president of communications. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Available in black, hot pink, checkerboard, leopard print, fleece, and even multi-colored faux leather, these 11 belt bags can be worn crossbody or around the waist, while some can even be worn as a sling backpack. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 Purses, bags or containers larger than a small clutch bag; coolers; briefcases; backpacks; fanny packs; cinch bags; luggage of any kind; computer bags; camera bags. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2024 Keep scrolling for more backpacks inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker below. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 The gun was in a backpack, said Cpl. Dan Lane, the spokesman for the Gaithersburg police. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024
Verb
Experience Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Anna grew up ski racing on Mt. Bachelor and backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2024 Winning a gold award for his brewery’s Belgian-style red-brown ale elicits memories of a college backpacking trip in the late 1990s for Ryan Evans, the co-founder of Denver’s Bruz Beers. Gary Stoller, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Why Trust Travel + Leisure is a seasoned traveler having visited more than 50 countries across six continents, including spending a month backpacking around Bali and its neighboring islands. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 His backpacking adventures through nine countries underscored the brevity of life and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024 Because of its durability, the jacket works well in active settings such as hiking, backpacking, camping, or climbing. Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024 Day hikes are good backpacking preparation not just for building stamina, but for self-discovery. Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2023 What to Consider: These are stiff enough to not feel as comfortable on extended backpacking trips. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2024 Hiking in the area Campers can set out on a hike from anywhere in Anza-Borrego, with treks lasting from less than an hour to daylong adventures and backpacking trips. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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