backing

noun

back·​ing ˈba-kiŋ 

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

Synonyms

• abetment
• aid
• assist
• assistance
• boost
• hand
• help
• helping hand
• leg up
• lift
• support

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

Despite the financial backing of owner Jeff Bezos, the reality is that Post hasn’t been able to convert fleeting interest from readers into long-term loyalty; worse still, internal dysfunction and shifting editorial strategies continue to cloud the Post’s identity and future. —Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

What To Know On Friday, Mamdani landed the backing of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council along with the 32BJ SEIU. —Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

But even with Thomas’s backing, neither the House or Senate took up the legislation before the session closed on June 4. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025

Once a critic of President Donald Trump and now his right-hand man, Vance is everywhere—with full MAGA backing. —Jake Lahut, Wired News, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for backing

• blacking
• clacking
• cracking
• hacking
• jacking
• lacking
• packing
• racking
• sacking
• slacking
• smacking
• snacking

Kids Definition

backing

noun

back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ 

1

: something forming a back

2

a

: support entry 2, aid

b

: musical accompaniment

c

: endorsement sense 3, approval

Medical Definition

backing

noun

back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ 

: the metal portion of a dental crown, bridge, or similar structure to which a porcelain or plastic tooth facing is attached