binding

1 of 2

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ How to pronounce binding (audio)
1
: the action of one that binds
2
: a material or device used to bind: such as
a
: the cover and materials that hold a book together
b
: a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges
c
: a device that holds a boot firmly to a ski or snowboard

binding

2 of 2

adjective

1
: that binds
2
: imposing an obligation
bindingly adverb
bindingness noun

Examples of binding in a Sentence

Noun a carpet edged with canvas binding The bindings have started to come loose. Adjective The contract is legally binding. The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
What to Consider The bindings may lose some elasticity in extreme cold. Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2023 The researchers measured both the strength (or affinity) of that binding and the rate at which the transcription factors become stuck and unstuck (kinetics) when the motif is flanked by an STR instead of a random sequence. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 Glucose binding also disrupts the electrostatic attraction and further promotes insulin release. Ivan Paul, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2023 These popular snowshoes feature a stretchy mesh binding that fits around almost any shoe to hold feet comfortably in place. Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2023 Splendor in Scripture isn’t an exhibition about the Bible’s lessons but, rather, a show about exquisite bindings, biblical archaeology, evocative illustrations, and early texts, all of which, Morgan felt, enriched and deepened the Bible’s themes. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024 The exterior is water-repellent, and the elastic bindings at the arms and hem help seal out cold. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 28 Jan. 2024 The high-quality hardcover notebook has a sturdy binding, plus nice-to-haves like numbered pages, a page-marking ribbon, a back pocket, and an elastic band to keep the whole thing closed when not in use. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 11 Jan. 2024 The rotating bindings are also easy to adjust for quick on and off, and a flexible forefoot combined with a thicker heel strap keep the fit secure. Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2023
Adjective
The aggressive timeline shows that much of Europe remains committed to ambitious climate regulations even as other major economies, including the United States, have yet to take binding action. Chico Harlan, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2024 Ofcom will be given a new legally binding responsibility to review more of the BBC’s complaints decisions. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Jan. 2024 As TechCrunch reports, the demand—which is not actually legally binding—only targets big AI players, rather than startups. David Meyer, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 But Hunter Biden's legal counsel maintains that the diversion agreement is legally binding and still valid. Erica Brown, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2024 The court’s rulings are legally binding, but enforcement can be tricky, and the rulings can be ignored. Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2024 With the agreement of all parties, electronic signatures are just as legally binding as pen-and-ink signatures. Cameron Sullivan, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2024 The Cougars and Beavers want a legally binding plan to handle the looming damages. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Dec. 2023 The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. Washington Examiner, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'binding.' 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

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binding was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near binding

Cite this Entry

“Binding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binding. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

binding

noun
bind·​ing
ˈbīn-diŋ
1
: the cover and fastenings of a book
2
: a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

Legal Definition

binding

adjective
1
: imposing a legal obligation
the agreement is binding on the parties
2
: requiring submission to a specified authority
the suppression order was binding on the Department of TransportationNational Law Journal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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