What does "backup" mean?

1. (computing copy) a copy of a file or information stored separately in case the original is lost or broken. 2. (a substitute or help) a person or thing that is ready to help or take over if the main one fails. 3. (police/military help) extra people, like police officers or soldiers, who are sent to help someone in a difficult situation. 4. (traffic or blockage) a long line of cars or a blockage in a pipe that stops things from moving. 5. (musical accompaniment) the music or singing that supports the main performer. 6. (extra or reserve) describing something kept as an extra in case it is needed.

How do you use "backup"?

Often used with the verb 'make' or 'run'. Always placed before the noun.

backup

n. · adj.

US //ˈbæˌkəp// UK //bˈækʌp// back·up

1 computing copy (n.)
B1 Intermediate Computing

a copy of a file or information stored separately in case the original is lost or broken.

a duplicate of data or software stored on an independent medium to facilitate recovery after a primary system failure.

Example

You should always make a backup of your photos on an external hard drive.

Example

The system administrator scheduled a full backup for midnight to ensure that no critical data would be lost during the server migration.

Usage

Often used with the verb 'make' or 'run'.
- original
2 a substitute or help (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a person or thing that is ready to help or take over if the main one fails.

a reserve, substitute, or auxiliary resource maintained for use in the event of a primary failure or shortage.

Example

We have a second generator as a backup in case the power goes out.

Example

The manager kept a list of freelance consultants to serve as a backup during the peak holiday season when permanent staff were at capacity.
- primary

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3 police/military help (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

extra people, like police officers or soldiers, who are sent to help someone in a difficult situation.

additional personnel or equipment sent to reinforce or support an individual or unit in the field.

Example

The officer called for backup when he realized the crowd was getting angry.

Example

The tactical unit waited for aerial backup before proceeding with the high-risk extraction mission.
- reinforcements
- support
4 traffic or blockage (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate American English

a long line of cars or a blockage in a pipe that stops things from moving.

an accumulation or overflow caused by a physical obstruction or a volume of flow exceeding capacity.

Example

There is a huge traffic backup on the highway because of the construction.

Example

A severe sewage backup in the basement forced the residents to evacuate the building for several days while repairs were conducted.
5 musical accompaniment (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Music

the music or singing that supports the main performer.

vocal or instrumental accompaniment that supports a lead performer.

Example

She started her career singing backup for a famous rock star.

Example

The singer insisted on hiring a professional gospel choir to provide backup for the final track of the album.
- accompaniment
- support
- lead
6 extra or reserve (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

describing something kept as an extra in case it is needed.

functioning as a reserve or auxiliary; intended for use only if the primary option is unavailable.

Example

I always carry a backup battery for my phone when I travel.

Example

The hospital relies on a backup power system to maintain life-support machines during local electrical grid failures.

Usage

Always placed before the noun.
- main
- primary

Origin

Deverbal from back up.