knapsack

noun knap·sack \ ˈnap-ˌsak \

Updated on: 3 Apr 2018

Definition of knapsack

: a bag (as of canvas or nylon) strapped on the back and used for carrying supplies or personal belongings

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knapsacked

play \ˈnap-ˌsakt\ adjective

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Examples of knapsack in a Sentence

grabbed my knapsack from the hook and ran to catch my ride

Recent Examples of knapsack from the Web

All of which is to say: the pacing and momentum of Sea of Thieves is designed to feel like the dusty, low-rent accordions that your pirates just happen to keep in their knapsacks.

— sam machkovech, Ars Technica, "Microsoft might finally have a forward-thinking game with Sea of Thieves," 30 Jan. 2018
Agents wielding metal detectors scanned knapsacks under the startled gaze of wide-eyed children.

— elisabetta povoledo, New York Times, "The Befana Market, a Beloved Roman Tradition, Is Imperiled," 7 Jan. 2018
The bottle-tops in our knapsacks were supposed to stand in for money, but vintage copies of Knave would probably be more effective.

— rupert goodwins, Ars Technica, "I’m a nuclear armageddon survivor: Ask me anything," 25 Nov. 2017
Kosinski and the writers studiously lay out the necessary parts and tools for this affecting story in the same way that Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) packs his knapsack with gear.

— katie walsh, Detroit Free Press, "Review: ‘Only the Brave’ is full of heart," 19 Oct. 2017
The large format is a departure for Oliver, whose long career has unfolded by the teaspoonful – in slender volumes, easily slipped into a knapsack or jacket, like field guides taken on hikes and picnics.

— danny heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Devotions' collects five decades of poetry by Mary Oliver," 19 Oct. 2017
Kosinski and the writers studiously lay out the necessary parts and tools for this affecting story in the same way that Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) packs his knapsack with gear.

— katie walsh, idahostatesman, "‘Only the Brave’ is gripping story of firefighting heroes," 19 Oct. 2017
Last year Damon Smith, a student with an interest in weapons and Islamic extremism, left a knapsack filled with explosives and ball bearings on a London subway train.

— jill lawless, The Seattle Times, "Search for perpetrators of bomb on London subway, 29 wounded," 15 Sep. 2017
Last year Damon Smith, a student with an interest in weapons and Islamic extremism, left a knapsack filled with explosives and ball bearings on a London subway train.

— Time, "Police on Manhunt After 22 Injured in Explosion on London Subway Train," 15 Sep. 2017

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