Meaning

On somebody's back or shoulders..

Definitions by Sense

1. On somebody's back or shoulders.
2. Pertaining to transportation of goods where one transportation unit is carried on the back of something else. For example, a truck on a train.
3. Attached or appended to something larger or more important.
4. (transitive) To carry (someone) on the back or shoulders.
5. (transitive) To ride on someone's back or shoulders.
6. (ambitransitive) To attach or append something to another (usually larger) object or event.
7. (transitive, Internet) To obtain a wireless internet connection by bringing one's own computer within the range of another's wireless connection without that subscriber's permission or knowledge.
8. (transitive, Internet) To utilize "last-mile" wiring rented from a larger owner ISP by a smaller ISP.

Example Sentences

give someone a piggyback ride

A Montreal-Toronto "Piggyback" freight of the Canadian Pacific.

What might be termed the psychological break-through for U.S. piggyback came in 1953-54. A prototype 75-foot piggyback flatcar was built, establishing the precedent for today's standard car with a capacity for two road trailers.

Until this time the railroads had favored piggyback services […]

piggyback legislation

to ride piggyback

They tried to piggyback that proposal on the rivers and harbors bill.

The popular host can’t claim credit for the trade, though. The idea wasn’t his. He piggybacked off another successful investor who had a history of picking winners.

Word Forms

• piggy-back
• piggy back
• piggybacks
• piggybacking
• piggybacked

Synonyms for piggyback

Related Words

When Should You Use Piggyback?

Use piggyback when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions