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
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
Meredith MaranEach morning, tens of thousands of moms load phones, along with homework, into the backpacks of schoolchildren.—Michael Specter
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
Business WeekI'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
George Steinmetz
backpacked; backpacking; backpacks
: to carry (food or equipment) on the back especially in hiking
: 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
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024
This powerful backpack blower moves leaves and other debris quickly and easily, and can handle complex jobs in yards up to 1 acre.
—Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024
Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
Packing cubes are super handy on river and backpacking trips too.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backpack 
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.
Noun
Bag Wizard Mini Backpack $24 at Amazon Mini backpacks are making a comeback, and Emily in Paris is leading the charge.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024
This powerful backpack blower moves leaves and other debris quickly and easily, and can handle complex jobs in yards up to 1 acre.
—Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
From compact backpacking bags that offer optimal warmth for their weight to roomier double sleeping bags, there are options to suit any camping style.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
Packing cubes are super handy on river and backpacking trips too.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backpack
Dictionary Entries Near backpack
Cite this Entry
“Backpack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpack. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share