Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder: A portable container, typically made of fabric or nylon, designed to be worn on the back using two shoulder straps, or sometimes carried over one shoulder. It is used for carrying personal belongings, books, equipment, or supplies.

Usage

• The word "backpack" is used to refer to the physical item itself. It is a common noun.
• It is typically used in contexts related to school, travel, hiking, or daily commuting.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She put her laptop and notebooks into her backpack before leaving for class.
  • For the hiking trip, he packed a tent and food in his backpack.
  • The student's backpack was heavy with textbooks.

Advanced Usage

• "To backpack" (verb): This is a related but distinct verb form meaning to travel or hike carrying one's belongings in a backpack.
  • They plan to backpack across Europe this summer.
• As a modifier: "Backpack" can be used attributively before another noun.
  • We need to buy some backpack straps.
  • The store sells backpacking gear.

Variants and Related Words

• Backpacker (noun): A person who travels or hikes with a backpack.
  • The hostel was full of backpackers.
• Backpacking (noun/gerund): The activity of traveling or hiking with a backpack.
  • Backpacking through the mountains requires good preparation.

Synonyms

• Knapsack: A synonym for a backpack, often used interchangeably, though sometimes implying a simpler or older style.
• Rucksack: A synonym, commonly used in British English or for larger packs used in hiking.
• Haversack: A smaller single-strap bag, often used for light carrying.

Notes

• The term "back pack" is often written as the single compound word "backpack".
• As a phrasal verb, "pack back" is not standard; the correct verb for filling a backpack is simply "to pack" or "to pack a backpack."

Noun

1. a bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder