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

More than an idyllic lakeside hamlet beloved by the international jet set, the northern Italian town of Como and the surrounding area are home to the country’s biggest silk-making districts, part of Italy’s fashion supply chain backbone. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

The Gilded Age fortunes that scandalized their contemporaries became, within a generation, the universities, museums and hospitals that form America’s civic backbone. — Douglas P. McCormick, Fortune, 23 June 2026

But the real, monumental challenge awaiting him is how to end the chronic cycle of violence that has been the backbone of Colombia’s history since independence. — Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

With a sofrito as its backbone, sancocho is rumored to have medicinal powers to cure hangovers and is filled to the tip top with beef, chicken, pork, corn, green plantains, yuca, auyama and yautia. — Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 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)