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 The port's absence has plunged the dockworkers, who have been the backbone of their families for years, into a state of uncertainty. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2024 The red tape drain on time and resources is felt especially by small and midsize firms — those with fewer than 500 employees and annual revenue below €50 million (about $54 million) — that are the backbone of the German economy. Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024 These cables are the backbone of the global internet, carrying the bulk of international communications, including email, webpages and video calls. Robin Chataut, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2024 Cooling the Heat on Costs Data centers are the backbone of the digital age, with the ever-increasing demand for cloud computing, AI, and big data analytics, data center power consumption is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. Timothy Papandreou, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024 Black women are the backbone and blueprint for so many trends and concepts. Essence, 29 Mar. 2024 Remittances sent home by migrant workers have emerged as the backbone of Nepal’s economy in recent times, which values around 30% of GDP. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024 Only sustained public voices will give lawmakers the backbone to stand up to the utilities. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024 Customer Service Customer service is the backbone of any successful, trustworthy company. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

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 26 Apr. 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)

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