Backup (Noun)
Meaning 1
An accumulation caused by clogging or a stoppage; "a traffic backup on the main street"; "he discovered a backup in the toilet".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- A backup in the drain caused the sink to overflow with dirty water.
- There was a severe traffic backup on the highway due to the accident.
- The plumber was called to fix a backup in the main sewer line.
- Heavy rainfall caused a backup in the city's stormwater system.
- The restaurant's grease trap had a backup, causing a foul smell in the kitchen.
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Meaning 2
(computer science) a copy of a file or directory on a separate storage device; "he made a backup in case the original was accidentally damaged or erased".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
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Meaning 3
The act of providing approval and support; "his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The mayor's backup for the local business owners was evident in her recent policy decisions.
- Her outspoken backup of the activist group drew both praise and criticism from the community.
- The company's backup for the environmental cause was reflected in their sustainable practices.
- The politician's backup for the new tax reform was crucial in its passage.
- The organization's backup for the underprivileged children was a testament to their charitable mission.
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Meaning 4
Someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult); "the star had a stand-in for dangerous scenes"; "we need extra employees for summer fill-ins".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The understudy took over as the backup for the injured leading actress in the play's final scene.
- During the operation, an experienced surgeon was on standby as a backup in case the primary surgeon needed assistance.
- The team's skilled backup quarterback replaced the injured player midway through the game.
- After the company's head chef quit, the sous chef stepped in as the backup to oversee kitchen operations.
- In case of bad weather, the event organizers had a backup emcee ready to take over for the outdoor ceremony.
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Meaning 5
A musical part (vocal or instrumental) that supports or provides background for other musical parts.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The gospel choir added a rich backup to the lead vocalist's soulful melody.
- In the 1970s, the band sought to hire a keyboard player to further enhance their backup sound.
- A trained cellist was brought in to create the backup harmonies for a key song on the album.
- As the band's popularity grew, they decided it was time to add a string section as the backup to their electric ensemble.
- She was tasked with writing the backup vocals for each of the songs on their debut release.