backup

[ bak-uhp ]

/ ˈbækˌʌp /

a person or thing that supports or reinforces another.

a musician or singer or group of musicians or singers accompanying a soloist: a singer with a three-man backup that plays cello, bass, and guitar.

an overflow or accumulation due to stoppage, malfunctioning, etc.: a sewage backup; a backup of cars at the tollbooth.

a person, plan, device, etc., kept in reserve to serve as a substitute, if needed.

Computers.

a copy or duplicate version, especially of a file, program, or entire computer system, retained for use in the event that the original is in some way rendered unusable.
a procedure to follow in such an event.

Bowling. a ball that curves in a direction corresponding to the bowling hand of the bowler.

(of a person, plan, device, etc.) held in reserve as a substitute if needed: a backup driver; a backup generator.

performing a secondary or supporting function: A drummer and guitarist are the singer's backup musicians.

Origin of backup

1775–85, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase back up

See login.

back up backup

Sometimes, they had a backup aim if their main goal fell through as the night dragged on.

The Craziest Date Night for Single Jews, Where Mistletoe Is Ditched for Shots |Emily Shire |December 26, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
In early October, Health Republic allowed me to submit a “grievance claim” which I filed, along with a pile of backup documents.

My Insurance Company Killed Me, Despite Obamacare |Malcolm MacDougall |November 24, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
At 12:02 p.m., Wilson called in his location and asked the dispatcher for backup.

Why Darren Wilson Will Walk |Dean Obeidallah |November 22, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Backup dancers materialize, sparking a torrent of eye-catching choreography.

The Making of Kiesza: From Navy Sharpshooter to Beauty Queen to Pop Diva |Marlow Stern |October 20, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

She retreated into the lobby, but only to call for backup and an ambulance.

Manhunt for a Cop-Hating Pennsylvania ‘Survivalist’ |Michael Daly |September 17, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
My cochlea struck twelve noon and a HUD appeared with my weekly backup reminder.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom |Cory Doctorow
Now she was off to restore herself from a backup made before she met me.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom |Cory Doctorow
She could swap out a dead bot for a backup in five minutes flat, which is all that crowd-control would permit.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom |Cory Doctorow
You were restored from a backup about eight weeks ago, I see.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom |Cory Doctorow
“Debra had herself refreshed from backup after we planned it,” Dan went on, as though no one was talking.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom |Cory Doctorow