Definitions
01computing copy
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing
n. a copy of a file or information stored separately in case the original is lost or broken.
n. a duplicate of data or software stored on an independent medium to facilitate recovery after a primary system failure.
日本語:バックアップ※
“You should always make a backup of your photos on an external hard drive.”
“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'.
Antonyms
02a substitute or help
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a person or thing that is ready to help or take over if the main one fails.
n. a reserve, substitute, or auxiliary resource maintained for use in the event of a primary failure or shortage.
日本語:控え※
Español:respaldo
“We have a second generator as a backup in case the power goes out.”
“The manager kept a list of freelance consultants to serve as a backup during the peak holiday season when permanent staff were at capacity.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03police/military help
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. extra people, like police officers or soldiers, who are sent to help someone in a difficult situation.
n. additional personnel or equipment sent to reinforce or support an individual or unit in the field.
“The officer called for backup when he realized the crowd was getting angry.”
“The tactical unit waited for aerial backup before proceeding with the high-risk extraction mission.”
Synonyms
04traffic or blockage
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English
n. a long line of cars or a blockage in a pipe that stops things from moving.
n. an accumulation or overflow caused by a physical obstruction or a volume of flow exceeding capacity.
“There is a huge traffic backup on the highway because of the construction.”
“A severe sewage backup in the basement forced the residents to evacuate the building for several days while repairs were conducted.”
Synonyms
05musical accompaniment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Music
n. the music or singing that supports the main performer.
n. vocal or instrumental accompaniment that supports a lead performer.
“She started her career singing backup for a famous rock star.”
“The singer insisted on hiring a professional gospel choir to provide backup for the final track of the album.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
06extra or reserve
B1 · Intermediate
adj. describing something kept as an extra in case it is needed.
adj. functioning as a reserve or auxiliary; intended for use only if the primary option is unavailable.
“I always carry a backup battery for my phone when I travel.”
“The hospital relies on a backup power system to maintain life-support machines during local electrical grid failures.”
Usage
Always placed before the noun.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “backup” in context.
Verb
01. call for backup
“The officer realized the situation was escalating and decided to call for backup immediately.”
verb + prep + noun
02. perform a backup
“It is essential to perform a backup of your database every night to prevent data loss.”
verb + noun
03. provide backup
“The senior consultant will provide backup if the junior team members encounter any technical difficulties.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. contingency backup
“The project manager developed a contingency backup to keep the operation running during the power outage.”
adj + noun
05. off-site backup
“Maintaining an off-site backup ensures that your files are safe even in the event of a physical disaster at the office.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. backup plan
“Since the outdoor venue might be rained out, we need a solid backup plan for the ceremony.”
noun + noun
07. traffic backup
“A minor accident on the bridge caused a massive traffic backup that lasted for three hours.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. as a backup
“I always carry a portable charger in my bag to use as a backup for my phone.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“The fire, in Masovia in Eastern Poland, engulfed the Starlink station’s power system and backup generator.” “These additional stop signals could act as a backup system.” “The clinic's emergency batteries have since been depleted, and its backup generator no longer works.” “The military had not informed national police and the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service of their plans, so they had no security backup.” Etymology
Deverbal from back up.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/backup
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0