backing

noun

back·​ing ˈba-kiŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
plural backings
1
: something forming a back
a tape with adhesive backing
2
a
: support, aid
financial backing
… sectarian or ethnic warlords battling for territory, with the backing of sponsors from neighboring countries.Aparisim Ghosh
b
: the music that is played along with someone who is singing or playing the main tune : the music that accompanies the lead musician
… she plans to record the songs with the backing of an orchestra.Cortney Harding
c
: endorsement especially of a warrant by a magistrate

Examples of backing in a Sentence

The tape has an adhesive backing. The project has received financial backing from several investors.
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.
Across the continent, Shaka iLembe played on Mzansi Magic and other local M-Net channels, in French-speaking territories on Canal+ — which has just taken control of MultiChoice — and in South Africa on Showmax, the streamer that has the backing of NBCUniversal and Sky. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025 Its medium-pile material is helpful for removing dirt from shoes, and its latex backing keeps it in place. Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 He's completed 59% of his passes so far this season and thrown three touchdowns to zero interceptions and has earned the backing of Stefanski and the coaching staff. Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Elsewhere in Los Angeles is Taylor, the band’s backing vocalist, bassist, and multi-instrumentalist, whose steady zeal over the phone is refreshing. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backing

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backing was in 1745

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backing. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

backing

noun
back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
1
: something forming a back
2
b
: musical accompaniment

Medical Definition

backing

noun
back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
: the metal portion of a dental crown, bridge, or similar structure to which a porcelain or plastic tooth facing is attached

More from Merriam-Webster on backing

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