backing

noun

back·​ing ˈba-kiŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
plural backings
1
: something forming a back
a tape with adhesive backing
2
a
: support, aid
financial backing
… sectarian or ethnic warlords battling for territory, with the backing of sponsors from neighboring countries.Aparisim Ghosh
b
: the music that is played along with someone who is singing or playing the main tune : the music that accompanies the lead musician
… she plans to record the songs with the backing of an orchestra.Cortney Harding
c
: endorsement especially of a warrant by a magistrate

Examples of backing in a Sentence

The tape has an adhesive backing. The project has received financial backing from several investors.
Recent Examples on the Web Alibaba’s backing brings the startup out of relative secrecy and helps establish its credentials alongside more public outfits such as Zhipu and Baichuan. Jane Zhang, Fortune Asia, 5 Mar. 2024 Some online supporters specifically mentioned backing up the Yuzu code after Nintendo sued two weeks ago. Sean Hollister, The Verge, 4 Mar. 2024 Netanyahu refuses to even consider trying to nurture a new relationship with non-Hamas Palestinians, because to do so would risk his prime minister’s chair, which depends on backing by hard-right Jewish supremacist parties who will never cede an inch of the West Bank. Thomas L. Friedman, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 Since then, the mani-pedi brand has received additional backing from the likes of former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff and Dollar Shave Club founder Michael Dubin. Noma Nazish, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The prospect of being in litigation with one of the world’s richest people has unnerved small nonprofits as well as academics who might not be able to count on their universities for complete backing. Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The results, which Yelp shared with European regulators in December and WIRED this month, put some numerical backing behind complaints from Google rivals in travel, shopping, and hospitality that its efforts to comply with the DMA are insufficient—and potentially more harmful than the status quo. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2024 Unanimous support among all NATO members is required to admit new countries, and Hungary is the last of the alliance’s 31 members that has still not given its backing. Justin Spike, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Feb. 2024 Unanimous support among all NATO members is required to admit new countries, and Hungary is the last of the alliance's 31 members that has still not given its backing. Justin Spike, Quartz, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backing was in 1745

Dictionary Entries Near backing

Cite this Entry

“Backing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backing. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

backing

noun
back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
1
: something forming a back
2

Medical Definition

backing

noun
back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
: the metal portion of a dental crown, bridge, or similar structure to which a porcelain or plastic tooth facing is attached

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