backbone

noun

back·​bone ˈbak-ˈbōn How to pronounce backbone (audio)
-ˌbōn
1
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
backboned adjective

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 Coal employment, once the backbone of the eastern Kentucky economy, fell sharply over the last decade as cheaper natural gas prices and tougher environmental regulations prompted electric providers to move away from buying coal. CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024 Tractor-trailer combinations are the backbone of the trucking industry, and these need to be attached to and detached from each other. Richard Bishop, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Thousands of tiny details are layered in as background and they, and the array of superb performances, give the film its backbone. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2024 Her honeymoon period over and the white working-class voters who were the backbone of the Biden coalition up for grabs, Harris has been struggling to convince skeptical independents to give her centrist economic vision and populist tax policy a chance. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backbone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backbone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backbone was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near backbone

Cite this Entry

“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

backbone

noun
back·​bone -ˈbōn How to pronounce backbone (audio)
-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 How to pronounce backbone (audio)
-ˌbōnd
adjective

Medical Definition

backbone

noun
back·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce backbone (audio)
1
2
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)

More from Merriam-Webster on backbone

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