knapsack

American  

[nap-sak] / ˈnæpˌsæk /

noun

1. a canvas, nylon, or leather bag for clothes, food, and other supplies, carried on the back by soldiers, hikers, etc.

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knapsack British  

/ ˈnæpˌsæk /

noun

1. a canvas or leather bag carried strapped on the back or shoulder

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Other Word Forms

• knapsacked adjective

Etymology

Origin of knapsack

1595–1605; < Low German knappsack, equivalent to knapp a bite (of food) + sack sack ¹; compare dialectal English knap to snap up, eat greedily

Explanation

A knapsack is a bag with two straps that you wear over your shoulders, leaving your arms free. Don't forget your knapsack when you head out on that hiking trip! You can also call a knapsack a "backpack" or a "rucksack." The word knapsack is thought to be the oldest of these terms, and while "backpack" is more often used today in the U.S., knapsack is more common in Canada. It comes from the German knappen, "to bite," and some experts believe that the name evolved from the fact that soldiers carried food in their knapsacks.

Example Sentences

They strapped on a machine that looks a bit like a knapsack and provides a robotic boost for the lower back.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2024

The Champagne — worth $2,900 in all — was pulled out of Gonzalez’ knapsack and returned to the guests who had ordered it, according to prosecutors.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2023

Adelekan said the man’s knapsack was blown up in a controlled explosion after the suspect told officers to handle it with care.

From Washington Times • May 3, 2023

He tugged a makeshift curtain behind the driver’s seat, snapped his cellphone into a mount by the side mirror, and pulled a gently loved paperback from his knapsack.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2022

I fished the one cup I owned out of the knapsack and poured in hot water and a spoonful of sugar from my supplies, plus a sprig of mint from Mama’s window box.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

• duffel bag
• satchel