knapsack
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.”
How to use knapsack
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA backpack, especially the kind used for hiking or carrying supplies.
Word forms
knapsacked past tense, knapsacks plural, knapsacks singular
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.
Synonyms
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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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