a person or thing that supports or reinforces another.
a musician or singer or group of musicians or singers accompanying a soloist: a singer with a three-man backup that plays cello, bass, and guitar.
an overflow or accumulation due to stoppage, malfunctioning, etc.: a sewage backup; a backup of cars at the tollbooth.
a person, plan, device, etc., kept in reserve to serve as a substitute, if needed.
Computers.
a copy or duplicate version, especially of a file, program, or entire computer system, retained for use in the event that the original is in some way rendered unusable.
a procedure to follow in such an event.
Bowling. a ball that curves in a direction corresponding to the bowling hand of the bowler.
adjective
(of a person, plan, device, etc.) held in reserve as a substitute if needed: a backup driver; a backup generator.
performing a secondary or supporting function: A drummer and guitarist are the singer's backup musicians.
Origin of backup
1775–85, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase back up
usage note for backup
See login.
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH backup
back up, backup
Words nearby backup
back to the drawing board, back to the salt mines, back to the wall, backtrack, back-trail, backup, backup light, back vent, back walkover, backward, backward and forward
It typically takes days to get results back, and backups at labs can drag the process out for a week or two.
New coronavirus tests promise to be faster, cheaper and easier|Jack J. Lee|August 31, 2020|Science News
They have to be pretty confident they have someone to replace Mayer if they didn’t even get him to stay as a backup.
TikTok’s most vocal defender is now its new interim CEO|Naomi Xu Elegant|August 27, 2020|Fortune
Using new technologies and backup power sources, Winn said SDG&E has also taken steps to reduce the number of customers who lose power this year.
Sacramento Report: Uber vs. California|Voice of San Diego|August 14, 2020|Voice of San Diego
At the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, when my insurance wouldn’t allow me to get a backup supply of the insulin I need to live, I received eight vials in the mail from my friend Rena.
How high prices for diabetes care amplify health inequities|Annalisa van den Bergh|July 15, 2020|Quartz
As a backup, researchers should also consider using a less tested freeze-drying technique known as lyophilization.
Scientists want to build a Noah’s Ark for the human microbiome|Carolyn Beans|June 11, 2020|Science News
Sometimes, they had a backup aim if their main goal fell through as the night dragged on.
The Craziest Date Night for Single Jews, Where Mistletoe Is Ditched for Shots|Emily Shire|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In early October, Health Republic allowed me to submit a “grievance claim” which I filed, along with a pile of backup documents.
My Insurance Company Killed Me, Despite Obamacare|Malcolm MacDougall|November 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At 12:02 p.m., Wilson called in his location and asked the dispatcher for backup.
Why Darren Wilson Will Walk|Dean Obeidallah|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Backup dancers materialize, sparking a torrent of eye-catching choreography.
The Making of Kiesza: From Navy Sharpshooter to Beauty Queen to Pop Diva|Marlow Stern|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She retreated into the lobby, but only to call for backup and an ambulance.
Manhunt for a Cop-Hating Pennsylvania ‘Survivalist’|Michael Daly|September 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
My cochlea struck twelve noon and a HUD appeared with my weekly backup reminder.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom|Cory Doctorow
Now she was off to restore herself from a backup made before she met me.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom|Cory Doctorow
She could swap out a dead bot for a backup in five minutes flat, which is all that crowd-control would permit.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom|Cory Doctorow
You were restored from a backup about eight weeks ago, I see.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom|Cory Doctorow
“Debra had herself refreshed from backup after we planned it,” Dan went on, as though no one was talking.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom|Cory Doctorow
British Dictionary definitions for backup
back up
verb(adverb)
(tr)to support or assist
(intr)cricket(of a nonstriking batsman) to move down the wicket in readiness for a run as a ball is bowled
(of water) to accumulate
(of traffic) to become jammed behind an accident or other obstruction
computingto make a copy of (a data file), esp for storage in another place as a security copy
printingto print the second side of (a sheet)
(intr, usually foll by on) Australianto repeat an action immediately
nounbackup
a support or reinforcement
a reserve or substitute
(as modifier)backup troops
US and Canadian
musical accompaniment, esp for a pop singer
(as modifier)backup singer
the overflow from a blocked drain or pipe
computinga file or set of files copied for security purposes
Move or drive a vehicle backward, as in He told her to back up into the garage. [First half of 1800s]
2
Bring or come to a standstill, as in The water had backed up in the drains, or The accident had backed up traffic for miles. [First half of 1800s]
3
Support or strengthen, as in The photos were backed up with heavy cardboard so they couldn't be bent, or I'll back up that statement of yours. [Second half of 1700s]
4
Duplicate a file or program so that the original is not lost. For example, Every computer manual warns you to back up your work frequently in case of a power outage or computer failure. [Second half of 1900s]