rucksack

noun

ruck·​sack ˈrək-ˌsak How to pronounce rucksack (audio)
ˈru̇k-
plural rucksacks
chiefly British
: a bag that is strapped to the back with two shoulder straps and is used for carrying personal belongings and supplies : knapsack
I picked up a rucksack full of spare gear and began to slog back up the steep, slippery grass to the headland.A. Alvarez
As U.S. soldiers gird for war in the 21st century with chemical suits, night-vision goggles and … rifles, there is still one item in their rucksacks that even their great-grandfathers would recognize: chewing gum.Cynthia Schreiber
On the nature hike, I will be just like Sacajawea, Molly thought as she packed her rucksack.Valerie Tripp
The last thing you want is a heavy rucksack slopping about on your back, threatening to throw you off balance …Clive Tully
"I'm hungry," complained the girl. The boy turned on a torch and peered inside a grey canvas rucksack behind him. "There's an apple."Melvin Burgess

Examples of rucksack in a Sentence

hikers carrying their food and water in rucksacks
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New additives like preservatives, flavorings and vitamins were infused into them, and they were packaged in novel ways to withstand hard helicopter drops, wet beach landings and days at the bottom of rucksacks. Alice Callahan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Devon Toews went in a different direction, paying homage to Burns’ signature large military-style backpack by sporting a huge rucksack of his own. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025 Porter’s book opens with Shy carrying a rucksack full of stones. Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 That unique property results in utilitarian staples such as rucksacks, puffer jackets, and driving sneakers that marry softness with resilience. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rucksack

Word History

Etymology

German, from German dialect, from Rucken back + Sack sack

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rucksack was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rucksack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rucksack. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rucksack

noun
ruck·​sack ˈrək-ˌsak How to pronounce rucksack (audio)
ˈru̇k-
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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