Haversack Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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haversack

[ˈhævərsæk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

carry equipment

A haversack is a bag with a single shoulder strap, often used by soldiers to carry their equipment.

Synonyms

backpack, knapsack, satchel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haversack	Used mostly in historical or military contexts. It's a single-strap bag often used by soldiers or hikers. The soldier carried his haversack with essential supplies during the march Historical reenactors often use haversacks to complete their costumes
backpack	Commonly used for modern-day casual, travel, or school purposes. It's a two-strap bag worn on the back. She packed her textbooks into her backpack before heading to school During the hike, he carried a backpack filled with snacks and water
knapsack	Primarily used in casual or outdoor contexts, often for hiking or camping. It's similar to a backpack but can also have one or two straps. The hiker slung his knapsack over his shoulder before setting off on the trail She packed her knapsack lightly for the weekend camping trip
satchel	Typically used for carrying books or documents, often in academic or professional settings. It's a bag with a strap that goes over the shoulder. The professor carried his lecture notes in a leather satchel She bought a stylish satchel to carry her laptop and work documents

Examples of usage

The soldier slung his haversack over his shoulder before heading out on the mission.
She packed her haversack with food and water for the hiking trip.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

In historical contexts, a haversack was a bag used to carry food by travelers or military personnel.

Synonyms

food bag, provision bag.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haversack	Haversack is typically used to describe a sturdy, often canvas, bag carried over the shoulder, used historically by soldiers and hikers to carry supplies or personal belongings. He slung the haversack over his shoulder before heading into the wilderness During the war, soldiers would carry their haversacks filled with rations and spare clothing
food bag	Food bag is used in more casual or modern contexts to refer to a bag specifically designed to carry food items, often used in camping, hiking, or picnicking scenarios. She packed sandwiches and fruit into the food bag for the picnic Make sure to hang your food bag to keep it away from bears when you're camping
provision bag	Provision bag is used in specific or formal contexts and refers to a bag used to carry supplies, particularly food and other necessities, typically for a longer trip or expedition. The explorers filled their provision bag with dried meats and grains for their journey across the desert His provision bag included everything from medical supplies to cooking utensils

Word

Description / Examples

haversack

Haversack is typically used to describe a sturdy, often canvas, bag carried over the shoulder, used historically by soldiers and hikers to carry supplies or personal belongings.

He slung the haversack over his shoulder before heading into the wilderness
During the war, soldiers would carry their haversacks filled with rations and spare clothing

food bag

Food bag is used in more casual or modern contexts to refer to a bag specifically designed to carry food items, often used in camping, hiking, or picnicking scenarios.

She packed sandwiches and fruit into the food bag for the picnic
Make sure to hang your food bag to keep it away from bears when you're camping

provision bag

Provision bag is used in specific or formal contexts and refers to a bag used to carry supplies, particularly food and other necessities, typically for a longer trip or expedition.

The explorers filled their provision bag with dried meats and grains for their journey across the desert
His provision bag included everything from medical supplies to cooking utensils

Examples of usage

During the Civil War, soldiers often carried their rations in a haversack.
The explorer filled his haversack with dried fruits and nuts for the long journey.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'haversack'

The word 'haversack' originated in the early 19th century and is a combination of 'haver,' meaning oats or food for horses, and 'sack.' Originally used to refer to a bag for horse rations, it later evolved to describe a bag carried by soldiers or travelers to hold their provisions. The haversack has been an essential item in military and travel gear for centuries, providing a convenient way to carry food and supplies on journeys.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,000 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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33997 farrow
33998 fearfulness
33999 parching
34000 haversack
34001 blitzkrieg
34002 slog
34003 newsagent
...