Knapsack: meaning, definitions and examples

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knapsack

 

[ หˆnรฆpหŒsรฆk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

carry items

A knapsack is a type of bag that is worn on the back and is used to carry items such as clothes or food.

Synonyms

backpack, daypack, rucksack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knapsack

Repeated entry, so please refer to the first context.

backpack

Commonly used in everyday English to refer to a bag carried on the back, suitable for school, travel, or hiking. It is a general term and the most versatile.

  • She packed her textbooks into her backpack.
  • We're going backpacking through the mountains next weekend.
rucksack

Often used in British English and in an outdoor or military context. Similar to 'backpack' but can imply a larger, more rugged bag.

  • She bought a new rucksack for her camping trip.
  • The cadets were given rucksacks to carry their gear.
daypack

Used to describe a small backpack designed for one-day trips or short hikes. Ideal for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and a light jacket.

  • He took only a daypack for the hike, since it was just a short trail.
  • A daypack is perfect for city sightseeing.

Examples of usage

  • She packed her knapsack with all the essentials for the camping trip.
  • The hiker slung his knapsack over his shoulders and started up the trail.
Context #2 | Noun

military

In the military, a knapsack is a small backpack used to carry essential items for soldiers during a march or campaign.

Synonyms

haversack, kitbag, pack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knapsack

Generally used to describe a small backpack or rucksack used for carrying personal belongings. Suitable for short hikes, day trips, or commuting.

  • She packed her knapsack with snacks and water for the afternoon hike.
  • John slung his knapsack over his shoulder before heading out to school.
pack

A generic term that can refer to any type of backpack, suitable for various contexts including school, hiking, and travel. It is a versatile term but typically implies a bag used to carry items on one's back.

  • She grabbed her pack and headed to the bus stop.
  • His pack was filled with textbooks and notebooks for the day's classes.
haversack

Often associated with a military or historical context, referring to a single-strap bag used by soldiers. Can also be used in a civilian context for a similar type of bag.

  • The soldier kept his essentials in his haversack during the march.
  • Grandpa showed us his old haversack that he used during the war.
kitbag

Typically used in a military context, indicating a large bag used by soldiers to carry their personal kit. Can also be employed in civilian settings for a large, cylindrical duffel bag used for traveling.

  • The recruit stuffed his uniform and gear into his kitbag.
  • She packed her kitbag with clothes and toiletries for the camping trip.

Examples of usage

  • The soldier carried his rifle in one hand and his knapsack on his back.
  • Each soldier was responsible for packing his own knapsack with supplies.

Translations

Translations of the word "knapsack" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mochila

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ€เค  เคฅเฅˆเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rucksack

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ransel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ัŽะบะทะฐะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ plecak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒฅใƒƒใ‚ฏใ‚ตใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sac ร  dos

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mochila

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sฤฑrt รงantasฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐฐ๋‚ญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญู‚ูŠุจุฉ ุธู‡ุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ batoh

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ batoh

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ƒŒๅŒ…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nahrbtnik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bakpoki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั€า›ะฐ ัำฉะผะบะตัั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒฃแƒ แƒ’แƒฉแƒแƒœแƒ—แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รงanta

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mochila

Etymology

The word 'knapsack' originated from the German word 'Knappsack', which means a bag for food. It was first used in the 17th century to describe a bag carried by soldiers to hold their provisions. Over time, the design and usage of knapsacks evolved, eventually becoming popular as backpacks for everyday use and outdoor activities.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,817, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.