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
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
The Extremadura site lies directly along the future H2Med hydrogen backbone.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
The state laws gave officials the backbone to vote yes.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
Big banks, seen as the backbone of any economy, also took a hit with JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America down over 2% each.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
These protections, found in the First Amendment, form the backbone of American democracy.
—Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
The state laws gave officials the backbone to vote yes.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
Big banks, seen as the backbone of any economy, also took a hit with JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America down over 2% each.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
These protections, found in the First Amendment, form the backbone of American democracy.
—Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
backbone
noun
back·bone
-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn
1
2
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)
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