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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Peychaud’s Bitters, all cherry and anise as opposed to Angostura Bitters’ cinnamon and clove, combines with the herbal pop of absinthe and the spicy backbone of the rye to create something wholly new. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025 Advertisement Jimmy’s quick return is not proof of corporate backbone—massive station groups Sinclair and NexStar are still refusing to air the show. Lizz Winstead, Time, 27 Sep. 2025 The unit that was supposed to be the backbone of the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 team, the group that vowed to set the table for the entire franchise, is getting spanked on a weekly basis. Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025 Build a domestic chemical backbone that makes your mining, refining, and battery industries more insulated from global shocks. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backbone

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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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