binding

1 of 3

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ 

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 3

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

binding

3 of 3

present participle of bind entry 1

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

In 1819 a new binding for the manuscript was made by a Swedish bookbinder. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

These pests love clothing fibers, paper clutter, book bindings, cardboard, wallpaper, furniture, and more. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2026

Adjective

By this fall, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon had signed a non-binding White House pledge to build or buy the power their facilities need. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

Early returns also showed voters favoring Measure A, which would establish binding arbitration for sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and other public safety employees who by law cannot go on strike. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

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

Phrases Containing binding

• adhesive binding
• binding energy
• binding site
• perfect binding
• spiral binding

Rhymes for binding

• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

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 Transportation

—National Law Journal