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

• chine
• spinal column
• spine
• vertebral column

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

Transport and logistics form the backbone of global industry. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

The class that should be the backbone of next year’s LSU team has so far produced four significant contributors, led by linebacker Whit Weeks. —Bruce Feldman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

By Karl Vick November 22, 2024 9:00 AM EST For 75 years, the United Nations agency known as UNRWA has been the backbone of health and education for Palestinians with refugee status, a population that now totals 6 million people, including about 1.4 million in Gaza. —Karl Vick, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024

These expectations can help streetwear brands connect with their subculture roots and communities, which have always been the backbone of the market. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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)