backup

Pluralbackups

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A saved copy of a file, kept apart so you can get it back if the first one is lost.

   Like keeping a second key in case you lose the first one.

   I keep a backup of my photos on a small memory stick.

   If your computer breaks, a backup can save all your files.

   Similarcopy, duplicate

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A person or thing kept ready to take the place of another if needed.

   Like a spare tire you carry in case one goes flat.

   The goalie got hurt, so the backup came onto the field.

   Always have a backup ready in case your first plan does not work.

   Similarsubstitute, reserve, standby, stand-in, understudy

   Note
3. 3
   noununcountable

   Extra help or support that you can count on.

   Like having a friend hold the ladder while you climb.

   I knew my friends were my backup if things went wrong.

   Call me anytime you need backup with the kids.

   Similarsupport, help, assistance

4. 4
   adjective

   Kept ready to be used if the main one is needed.

   Like a spare key you keep just in case.

   We turned on the backup generator when the power went out.

   Bring a backup phone in case yours dies.

   Similarspare, extra

   Oppositemain, primary

5. 5
   nouncountable

   A buildup of something that cannot move because the way is blocked.

   Like water filling up behind a clogged sink.

   Heavy rain caused a backup in the drain outside our house.

   There was a big traffic backup after the crash on the bridge.

   Similarblockage, jam, tailback, congestion

6. 6
   noununcountable

   Extra police or officers sent to give support.

   Like calling more friends when there is too much for one person to handle.

   The officer called for backup before going inside the building.

   Police waited for backup to arrive at the scene.

   Similarreinforcements, support, help

   Note
7. 7
   adjective

   Giving support, or adding music behind a main singer.

   Like the voices that sing softly behind the main singer.

   She sang in the backup group behind the star.

   The band hired three backup singers for the tour.

   Similarbacking, supporting, accompanying

   Oppositelead

8. 8
   noununcountable

   Music or singing that supports a main performer.

   Like friends who clap and sing along to make a song sound better.

   The singer needed strong backup from the band.

   Her backup made the song sound full and rich.

   Similaraccompaniment, backing

   Note
9. 9
   adjective

   Kept ready to take over if the main one stops working.

   Like a spare tire you use only when one goes flat.

   The backup drive turns on if the main one fails.

   We saved our work to a backup server.

   Similarsecondary, fallback

   Oppositeprimary, main

   Note
10. 10
    noununcountable

    Facts or proof that support what someone says.

    Like showing a receipt to prove you really paid.

    Her story needed some backup before anyone believed it.

    He had no backup for what he claimed in court.

    Similarcorroboration, support, evidence, confirmation, proof

11. 11
    verbnonstandard

    Alternative form of back up. Common for making a safety copy, but the standard verb is two words, back up.

    Remember to backup your files before the update.

    You should backup your photos every week.

    Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 11