Added 2 October 2026
backup
/ˈbækˌʌp/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about backup at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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A reserve or substitute.
If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup.
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A copy of a file or record, stored separately from the original, that can be used to recover the original if it is damaged or destroyed.
After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup.
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An accumulation of material caused by a (partial) obstruction or (complete) blockage of the flow or movement of the material, or an accumulation of material that causes an overflow due to the flow being greater than the maximum possible flow.
The accident caused a mile-long backup on the highway.
adjective
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Standby, reserve or extra.
I am only a backup player.
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That is intended as a backup.
Make a backup copy of that file.
- Supporting, reinforcing; of or related to accompaniment
verb
- Alternative form of back up.
Origin
Deverbal from back up.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)