Word

backup

noun C1

/ˈbækˌʌp/

Meanings

noun

An extra copy of digital information kept so it can be restored if the original is lost or damaged.

noun

Extra help, support, or a substitute person that is ready to step in if needed.

Definition

A backup is an extra copy kept in case the original is lost or fails.

A backup is a duplicate of data, files, or a system that you keep separately so you can restore it later. It protects you if something is deleted, corrupted, or your device stops working. The word can also mean extra help or support that is ready to step in when needed.

Examples

I made a backup of my laptop before installing the new operating system.
She keeps a backup on an external drive in case her main project folder gets corrupted.
They asked for backup when the event schedule started to slip behind.
You should verify that the backup is usable by restoring a few test files.
He arrived as backup so the presentation could continue if the speaker’s voice gave out.

Common mistake

Learners often write it as two words (back up) when they mean the noun or adjective form (backup).