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noun

knapsack

NAP-sak
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Knapsack (noun) means a bag, usually made of canvas or leather, carried on the back for holding supplies or belongings. Example: “He set off up the trail with a knapsack full of food and water.”

noun
1
A bag, usually made of canvas or leather, carried on the back for holding supplies or belongings.
"He set off up the trail with a knapsack full of food and water."

How to use knapsack

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA backpack, especially the kind used for hiking or carrying supplies.

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Word forms

Plural
knapsacks
Third person singular
knapsacks
Past tense
knapsacked
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He set off up the trail with a _____ full of food and water.

Etymology

From a Low German or Dutch word combining knappen, "to bite or crack" (referring to eating), with sack — essentially a "food sack," reflecting its early use for carrying rations.

Origin: German

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “knapsack” mean?
The word “knapsack” means a bag, usually made of canvas or leather, carried on the back for holding supplies or belongings. In plain terms, a backpack, especially the kind used for hiking or carrying supplies.
How do you pronounce “knapsack”?
“Knapsack” is pronounced NAP-sak (/ˈnæpsæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “knapsack” in a sentence?
Here is “knapsack” used in a sentence: “He set off up the trail with a knapsack full of food and water.”
What is another word for “knapsack”?
Words with a similar meaning to “knapsack” include backpack and rucksack.
What part of speech is “knapsack”?
“Knapsack” is a noun.
Where does the word “knapsack” come from?
The word “knapsack” comes from German. From a Low German or Dutch word combining knappen, "to bite or crack" (referring to eating), with sack — essentially a "food sack," reflecting its early use for carrying rations.

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