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

In 2024, Nairobi lawmaker Esther Passaris petitioned Parliament to create one, on behalf of citizens and with the backing of water-sector advocates. — Raul Roman, NPR, 25 July 2026

El Sayed received Ocasio-Cortez’s backing earlier this month, a rare honor, as the congresswoman has been cautious of extending endorsements in the 2026 midterm elections. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2026

Last year, a coalition of leaders of some of the state’s biggest law firms wrote a letter to the state supreme court backing IOLTA funding for civil legal services. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

The film also received backing from Eurimages, France’s CNC, Portugal’s ICA, Norway’s Sorfønd and Germany’s World Cinema Fund. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 July 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