English Reference

Word

piggyback

Phoneticspig·gy·back

US/ˈpɪɡiˌbæk/

UK/pˈɪɡɪbˌæk/

Definition

n. a way for a person or computer to travel or send data by using the path or power of another person or system. It is like riding on the back of a pig to get somewhere faster.

n. a method of utilizing the existing infrastructure or resources of another system to achieve a specific goal. In computing, it refers to the practice of using an established connection to transmit additional data.

Examples

“The new app uses a piggyback to send updates through your existing Wi-Fi.”

“By piggybacking on the satellite's signal, the researchers were able to collect data from the remote island without needing their own expensive equipment.”

“The startup's business model relies on a piggyback strategy, leveraging the vast user base of established social media platforms to distribute their content without the need for a dedicated marketing budget.”

Examples

simple

“The new app uses a piggyback to send updates through your existing Wi-Fi.”

contextual

“By piggybacking on the satellite's signal, the researchers were able to collect data from the remote island without needing their own expensive equipment.”

complex

“The startup's business model relies on a piggyback strategy, leveraging the vast user base of established social media platforms to distribute their content without the need for a dedicated marketing budget.”

Real-World Examples

“Protecting its name has meant taking legal action, including against a whisky brand trying to piggyback on the town’s cultural capital.”
The Guardian · 29 Sept 2026
“For all the narrative neatness, the play piggybacks on that event in a way that feels manipulative.”
The Guardian · 21 Aug 2026

Domains

InternetMedicine

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/piggyback

English Reference