rucksack

noun

ruck·​sack ˈrək-ˌsak 

ˈru̇k-

plural rucksacks

chiefly British

: a bag that is strapped to the back with two shoulder straps and is used for carrying personal belongings and supplies : knapsack

I picked up a rucksack full of spare gear and began to slog back up the steep, slippery grass to the headland.

—A. Alvarez

As U.S. soldiers gird for war in the 21st century with chemical suits, night-vision goggles and … rifles, there is still one item in their rucksacks that even their great-grandfathers would recognize: chewing gum.

—Cynthia Schreiber

On the nature hike, I will be just like Sacajawea, Molly thought as she packed her rucksack.

—Valerie Tripp

The last thing you want is a heavy rucksack slopping about on your back, threatening to throw you off balance …

—Clive Tully

"I'm hungry," complained the girl. The boy turned on a torch and peered inside a grey canvas rucksack behind him. "There's an apple."

—Melvin Burgess

Synonyms

• backpack
• kit bag
• knapsack
• pack
• packsack

Examples of rucksack in a Sentence

hikers carrying their food and water in rucksacks

Recent Examples on the Web

Army recruits embark on long marches with heavy rucksacks as part of their training regimen. —Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024

If back issues prevail—a common complaint during pregnancy—a stylish rucksack may be more suitable than a tote. —Joanna Carrigan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2023

Starting in 2022, the U.S. supplied Ukraine with 700 Switchblade 300s, a $50,000 missile small enough to be carried in a soldier’s rucksack and launched with minimal effort. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

School rucksacks stuffed with clothes, small pillows and floral blankets are strewn on the floor. —Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, from German dialect, from Rucken back + Sack sack

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rucksack

noun

ruck·​sack ˈrək-ˌsak 

ˈru̇k-

: knapsack