Word
backpack
Phoneticsback·pack, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbækˌpæk/
UK/bˈækpæk/
Definitions
01a bag for the back
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a bag with straps that go over your shoulders so you can carry it on your back.
n. a bag supported by two shoulder straps and worn on the back, typically used by students or hikers.
“He put his heavy textbooks in his backpack before walking to school.”
“The hiker adjusted the padded straps of her backpack to distribute the weight more evenly across her hips before starting the steep ascent.”
02to hike and camp
B1 · Intermediate
v. to go hiking and stay overnight in nature, carrying everything you need on your back.
v. to hike and camp overnight in wilderness areas while carrying all necessary equipment and supplies in a backpack.
“We plan to backpack through the national park for three days this summer.”
“They spent the entire month of July backpacking across the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada, relying solely on the supplies they could carry.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
03to travel cheaply
B1 · Intermediate
v. to travel to different places for a long time with very little money and only one bag.
v. to engage in low-cost, independent travel, often staying in hostels and using public transport.
“After finishing university, she decided to backpack around Europe for six months.”
“Many students choose to backpack through Southeast Asia during their gap year to experience diverse cultures on a limited budget.”
Usage
Often used to describe international travel by young adults.
Etymology
From back + pack.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/backpack