Rucksack

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɹʌkˌsæk/

Definitions

1. A durable backpack with two shoulder straps designed to carry personal belongings efficiently during travel or outdoor adventures
2. An item of luggage worn on the back, typically equipped with adjustable straps for comfort and accessibility while on the go
3. A bag carried on the back with straps over the shoulders for holding belongings while hiking or traveling

Etymology: The German "Rucksack" is a compound of "Rücken", meaning "back", and "Sack", meaning "bag" or "sack". English borrowed the whole package, so a rucksack is literally a bag for the back, and the English word keeps the German spelling and sense intact. The compound follows a pattern German uses readily: "Rücken" pairs with many nouns to describe something carried or placed on the back, while "Sack" has long named a large bag or pouch. Joined together, they describe exactly what the object does, which is why the word needed no reshaping on its way into English.

Synonyms: backpack, knapsack