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

This focus on connection and care has helped build long-term relationships with employees, who remain the backbone of the park’s sustained success. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026

Harris and Wu would continue and broaden the party’s outreach to white suburban women, which has been a backbone for Democrats since the election. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026

Despite being the backbone of the economy, this sector has historically lagged in digital adoption. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026

The philosophy — passed down from Adazzio and before him Coach Bevere at Eastern Regional High School — forms the backbone of Trautwein’s approach. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 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)