binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a person or machine that binds something (such as books)

2

a

: something used in binding

b

: a usually detachable cover (as for holding sheets of paper)

3

: something (such as tar or cement) that produces or promotes cohesion in loosely assembled substances

4

: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued

5

: something (such as money) given in earnest

also : the agreement arrived at

6

: a tobacco leaf wrapped between the filler and wrapper of a cigar

Examples of binder in a Sentence

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pigments in this period were made from various natural materials like minerals, plants, insects, and metals, with binders like egg white or vinegar. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025

Two more letters were also sent to online retailers Early to Bed and Passional Boutique, accusing them of violating interstate commerce laws by selling binders made by one or more of the ten manufacturers. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 22 Dec. 2025

He was also questioned about missing binders of evidence and an 11-month gap in Acosta’s incoming emails that coincided with the time frame that Epstein’s deal was negotiated. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 20 Dec. 2025

Other small, unexpected items, including duct tape and binder clips, can be travel lifesavers, according to travel blogs and reports. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing binder

• ring binder

Rhymes for binder

• blinder
• finder
• grinder
• kinder
• minder
• pinder
• bookbinder
• factfinder
• pathfinder
• reminder
• sidewinder
• viewfinder

Kids Definition

binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a person or machine that binds something (as books)

2

: a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper

3

: something that holds other substances together

use egg as a binder in meat loaf

Medical Definition

binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a broad bandage applied (as about the chest or abdomen) for support

a breast binder

an obstetrical binder

2

: a substance (as glucose or acacia) used in pharmacy to hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet

Legal Definition

binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued

2

: a receipt for money paid to the owner of real estate or to the owner's agent to secure the right to purchase the real estate upon agreed terms

also : the money itself