backup

noun
UK: /ˈbæk.ʌp/
US: /ˈbæk.ʌp/

  1. A copy of computer data that is stored separately in case the original data is lost or damaged.

    1. I made a backup of my photos on a USB drive. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company creates a daily backup of all its servers to prevent data loss. [ ] [ ]

  2. Support or help.

    1. I need some backup on this project, please. [ ] [ ]
    2. The army was sent in as backup to the police during the riot. [ ] [ ]

  3. An extra person or thing that is available if needed.

    1. We should have a backup plan in case the weather is bad. [ ] [ ]
    2. She is the backup singer for the band in case the lead vocalist gets sick. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

duplicate reserve standby reinforcement support copy
backup verb

  1. To create a copy of (computer data) for security purposes.

    1. I backup my computer files every week. [ ] [ ]
    2. Make sure to backup your important documents to an external hard drive. [ ] [ ]

  2. To support or help someone.

    1. I'll backup your idea in the meeting tomorrow. [ ] [ ]
    2. My parents always backup me in difficult situations, no matter what. [ ] [ ]

  3. To move backwards, especially in a vehicle.

    1. I need to backup the car to let you out. [ ] [ ]
    2. The driver had to carefully backup the truck to avoid hitting the wall. [ ] [ ]
backup adjective

  1. Acting as a reserve or support.

    1. This is my backup phone for emergencies. [ ] [ ]
    2. He works as a backup quarterback for the football team, ready if needed. [ ] [ ]
backup transitive-verb

  1. To support or confirm something.

    1. Can you backup your claim with evidence? [ ] [ ]
    2. New research findings backup the theory that climate change is accelerating. [ ] [ ]
backup intransitive-verb

  1. To move backwards.

    1. The car started to backup slowly. [ ] [ ]
    2. He had to backup because the street was blocked by construction. [ ] [ ]
backup phrasal-verb

  1. To support or help someone.

    1. I'll backup you when you speak in the meeting. [ ] [ ]
    2. My friends said they'll backup me no matter what happens with the deal. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "backup" in English means: A copy of computer data that is stored separately in case the original data is lost or damaged., Support or help., An extra person or thing that is available if needed..

The phonetic transcription of "backup" is /ˈbæk.ʌp/ in British English and /ˈbæk.ʌp/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "backup": duplicate, reserve, standby, reinforcement, support, copy.

Example usage of "backup": "I made a backup of my photos on a USB drive.". More examples on the page.