backing

noun

back·​ing ˈba-kiŋ 

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

Synonyms of backing

• support
• assistance
• assist
• help
• boost

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

Talking about the advantages of having Greenpeace’s backing for the film, Camosy highlights the network’s wealth of archival footage and expertise. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 June 2026

Throughout another tumultuous chapter in Stokes’ extraordinary career of extreme highs and lows, there was not a single bit of public backing from McCullum or England managing director Rob Key. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Reynoso has the backing of the progressive Working Families Party, while Valdez has the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 23 June 2026

Goldman is up for re-election against former city comptroller Brad Lander, who has the backing of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for backing

• blacking
• clacking
• cracking
• hacking
• jacking
• lacking
• packing
• racking
• sacking
• slacking
• smacking
• snacking

Kids Definition

backing

noun

back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ 

1

: something forming a back

2

a

: support entry 2, aid

b

: musical accompaniment

c

: endorsement sense 3, approval

Medical Definition

backing

noun

back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ 

: the metal portion of a dental crown, bridge, or similar structure to which a porcelain or plastic tooth facing is attached