as in suitcase
a soft-sided case designed for carrying belongings especially on the back
stuffed her backpack with so many books that she could barely walk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to tent
Related Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of backpack
Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2026
Guides assigned us to a numbered airbag backpack and avalanche beacon.
—Brent Rose, Outside, 28 Feb. 2026
Yohana Desta, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2026
Some visitors bring multiple vehicles and set up a shuttle at both ends for a point-to-point hike, and others backpack the full canyon, camping along the way.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpack
Noun
Although Sierra’s body was never found, her school backpack was discovered days later in a field; inside were extra clothes, makeup and her phone.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2026
Guides assigned us to a numbered airbag backpack and avalanche beacon.
—Brent Rose, Outside, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
The show takes things a step further, showing Eleven backpacking through nature, on her way to peace and safety.
—Yohana Desta, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2026
Some visitors bring multiple vehicles and set up a shuttle at both ends for a point-to-point hike, and others backpack the full canyon, camping along the way.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpack
Noun
-
Packing just one pair of everyday shoes is what freed up the most space in my suitcase.—
Kayla Kitts,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
-
In addition to her sizable, silver Rimowa suitcase, Stewart carried a leather tote as her personal item.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The La Jolla Shores Hotel is tented and closed for about a week for termite extermination.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
-
When the roast is done, transfer to a carving board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
19 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
In both, Applegate’s characters — one a teenage girl trying to feed a pack of siblings, the other a middle-aged mother raising two sons — rise to the occasion, and do whatever is necessary to protect their families.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Schultz stumbled out of the gate and was trying to catch the rest of the pack.—
Jonathan Carone,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both photographers center the trees, emphasizing grandeur and age, but Weston’s evergreens are timeless and untouched, Connell’s the site of human encounter, with rucksacks and sunhats piled at their base.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The Prince and Princess of Wales still use KP as their London home, and on two separate instances over the holidays, a man broke onto the grounds of the palace carrying a heavy rucksack.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The change, which Cochrane said is an experiment, is also a concession to several external factors that make the old-school style caravans more challenging.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Following that event, attendees can caravan to the WWII Memorial located at Ninth and G streets for an 11 a.m. ceremony.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Since then, numerous gloves have been found scattered near the main drag as well as a knapsack sold at Walmart.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
-
My trusty knapsack has come with me on European adventures and weekend trips, but sadly, it’s begun to show signs of wear and tear after years of regular use.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backpack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpack. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
