backpack
BAK-pak
/ˈbækˌpæk/
A bag with shoulder straps that allows it to be carried on one's back, often used by students for books and supplies.
Implies a bag designed for carrying on the back, distinguishing it from a handbag or briefcase.
The story behind the word. The word 'backpack' is a straightforward compound that combines 'back' (referring to the part of the body it's carried on) and 'pack' (meaning a bundle of things to be carried). It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a practical descriptor for a bag designed to distribute weight across the shoulders and back, making it easier to transport goods.
Word relationships
- rucksack: Often used in British English, or for larger, more rugged bags for hiking/camping.
- knapsack: An older, less common term, often implying a smaller, simpler bag.
Commonly confused with
- messenger bag: A messenger bag is typically worn across the body with a single strap, not on the back with two.
Collocations
- school backpack
- hiking backpack
- fill a backpack
- heavy backpack
Example sentences
- "She slung her heavy backpack over one shoulder, feeling the weight of textbooks and a lunchbox." A student gets ready for school, packing their essentials.
- "The hallway was a sea of colorful backpacks, some adorned with keychains and patches." Describing a common sight in a school hallway.
Memory hook
It's a 'pack' that you carry on your 'back'. Pack on back
When not to use
Don't use 'backpack' for a small purse or a suitcase with wheels.
Fun facts
- Early versions of backpacks were used by hunters and travelers for centuries, often made of animal hides.
- The modern school backpack with zippers and compartments became popular in the mid-20th century.
- The term 'backpacking' also refers to a type of travel where one carries their belongings in a backpack.
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