backupnoun
uk/ˈbæk.ʌp/us/ˈbæk.ʌp/B2 [ C or U ] (someone or something that provides) support or help, or something that you have arranged in case your main plans, equipment, etc. go wrong:
We're going to need some professional backup for this project.
The party is going to be outdoors, so we'll need to organize somewhere as a backup in case it rains.
Remember, your colleagues are your backup system when things go wrong.
B2 [ C ] a copy of information held on a computer that is stored separately from the computer:
Before we leave work each day, we make a backup of all the records we have entered into the computer that day.
The department's backup disks are all stored in a different building.
[ C ] US a player who plays when the person who usually plays is not available:
He's a backup for the Dallas Cowboys.
More examples
- The paramedic who arrived first at the scene immediately called for backup.
- How can I run the pub on my own all evening without any backup?
- It is essential to have backup when you go diving, in case anything goes wrong.
- If we run out of sandwiches I've got some pizzas in the kitchen as backup.
- My neighbour came along to provide some backup, in case the youths gave me any trouble.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Helpers and accomplices
- a tower of strength idiom
- abet
- accessory
- accomplice
- acolyte
- Asst
- buddy
- collaborator
- confederate
- enabler
- help
- man Friday
- mate
- moll
- partner
- right-hand man
- second 1
- support group
- support network
- tower
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Computer concepts
backupadjective [ only before noun ]
uk/ˈbæk.ʌp/us/ˈbæk.ʌp/US UK backingsupporting the main singer, performer, etc. :
backup vocals
Beyoncé's backup dancers
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Singing
- a cappella
- accompaniment
- accompany
- alto
- anthem
- barbershop
- dirge
- ditty
- diva
- duet
- elegy
- intonation
- jingle
- refrain
- sang
- septet
- serenade
- sextet
- shanty
- treble
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Types of music