backbone

noun

back·​bone ˈbak-ˈbōn 

-ˌbōn

1

: spinal column, spine

2

: something that resembles a backbone: such as

a

: a chief mountain ridge, range, or system

b

: the foundation or most substantial or sturdiest part of something

c

: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (such as a polymer or protein)

d

: the primary high-speed hardware and transmission lines of a telecommunications network (such as the Internet)

3

: firm and resolute character

4

: spine sense 1c

backboned

ˈbak-ˌbōnd 

adjective

Synonyms of backbone

• spine

Examples of backbone in a Sentence

She is the backbone of the family.

He showed some backbone by refusing to compromise his values.

Recent Examples on the Web

Building a century of infrastructure What Bucyrus built in South Milwaukee fanned out across the country, shaping the backbone of modern America. — Malika Bowling, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Brut Champagne gives the drink its backbone—its acidity stays crisp against the other players, keeping the drink focused and bright. — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026

For easy-to-style, versatile pants that will become the backbone of your travel capsule wardrobe, check out the Modern Wide Rib Flare Pants, now just $13. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026

Cobalt is the quiet backbone of modern industry, acting as a non-negotiable ingredient in many items from EV batteries to military jet engines and defense systems. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for backbone

• alone
• atone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone
• dethrone

Kids Definition

backbone

noun

back·​bone -ˈbōn 

-ˌbōn

1

: the skeleton of the trunk and tail of a vertebrate that consists of a jointed series of vertebrae enclosing and protecting the spinal cord

called also spinal column

2

: the foundation or sturdiest part of something

3

: firmness of character

a coward with no backbone

backboned

-ˈbōnd 

-ˌbōnd

adjective

Medical Definition

backbone

noun

back·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn 

1

: spinal column, spine

2

: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)