backpack

1 of 2

noun

back·​pack ˈbak-ˌpak 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• kit bag
• knapsack
• pack
• packsack
• rucksack

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

The Flow 2 Pro’s lineup has a range of dedicated accessories, including a magnetic phone mount that doubles as a desktop stand, a magnetic cooling mount optimized for iPhones with two sizes to fit different models, plus a backpack mount for hands-free filming when on the move. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

For example, one common theme in cases examined by the IG is criminals using personal belongings such as jackets and backpacks to quickly divert and hide mail while on the job. —David Williams, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025

Verb

Imagine taking two years off to focus on your young family or backpack the world before diving into your next big idea. —Lien De Pau, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

The excellent Julia Garner reunites with Kitty Green (after 2019’s The Assistant) and co-stars alongside Jessica Henwick as two American women backpacking through Australia. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

backpack

1 of 2 noun

back·​pack ˈbak-ˌpak 

: a camping pack carried on the back

also : knapsack

backpack

2 of 2 verb

: to hike with a backpack

backpacker noun