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backup Meaning & Definition

/ˈbækˌʌp/

What Does Backup Mean?

Backup is used as a noun meaning A reserve or substitute. It can also mean 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. As an adjective, it means Standby, reserve or extra. As a verb, it means Alternative form of back up.

Backup at a Glance

Part of speechnoun, adjective, verb
Pronunciation//ˈbækˌʌp//
Syllables1
Synonymssubstitute, relief and stand-in
Pluralbackups
Verb formsbackups, backupping, backupped

Backup Definition (Noun)

  1. A reserve or substitute.

    If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Reinforcements.

    He's got a gun! You'd better send for backup.

  5. Any support or extra help.
  6. Accompaniment.
  7. Corroboration.

Backup as an Adjective

  1. Standby, reserve or extra.

    I am only a backup player.

  2. That is intended as a backup.

    Make a backup copy of that file.

  3. Supporting, reinforcing; of or related to accompaniment

Backup as a Verb

  1. Alternative form of back up.

Noun

  1. A copy of a file or record, stored separately from the original, that can be used to recover the original if it is destroyed or damaged.

    After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup.

  2. (law enforcement) reinforcements

    He's got a gun! You'd better send for backup.

Synonyms of Backup

Backup synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Backup

No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.

Backup in a Sentence

If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup.

After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup.

The accident caused a mile-long backup on the highway.

The blockage caused a backup in the plumbing.

He's got a gun! You'd better send for backup.

I am only a backup player.

Make a backup copy of that file.

Word Forms & Grammar

backup (countable and uncountable, plural backups)

backup (not comparable)

backup (third-person singular simple present backups, present participle backupping, simple past and past participle backupped)

Words That Rhyme With Backup

Origin of Backup

Deverbal from back up.

Backup Pronunciation

The standard pronunciation of backup is //ˈbækˌʌp//, spoken in 1 syllable.

Common Questions About Backup

Is backup a noun or an adjective?

Backup is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective and a verb.

What is another word for backup?

Close synonyms of backup are substitute, relief and stand-in. See the full list of backup synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of backup?

The plural of backup is backups.

What is the past tense of backup?

The past tense of backup is backupped. The present participle is backupping.

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