Piggyback was first used in the 16th century as an adverb, meaning "up on the back and shoulders" (as in "the child was carried piggyback"). It comes from a phrase of unknown origin, …

PIGGYBACK definition: 1. a ride on someone's back with your arms round the person's neck and your legs round their waist…. Learn more.

In connection with something larger or more important: a tariff provision that came piggyback with the tax bill; a piggyback provision to a new piece of legislation.

Definition of piggyback noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

To ride piggyback is to hang on to someone's shoulders as they carry you on their back. The best babysitters are happy to give endless piggyback rides. You can use piggyback as an adverb or …

Dec 21, 2025 · piggyback (third-person singular simple present piggybacks, present participle piggybacking, simple past and past participle piggybacked) (transitive) To carry (someone) on …

PIGGYBACK definition: on the back or shoulders. See examples of piggyback used in a sentence.

Factsheet What does the word piggyback mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word piggyback. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

The origins of "piggyback" can be traced back to the 16th century, with the phrase "pick-a-back" as its forebear. The term reflects English's knack for evolving language in playful, unexpected …

If you give someone a piggyback, you carry them high on your back, supporting them under their knees. They give each other piggy-back rides. Piggyback is also an adverb. My father carried …