backing

1 of 2

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

backing

2 of 2

present participle of back entry 4

Synonyms of backing

Noun

• support
• assistance
• assist
• help
• boost

Examples of backing in a Sentence

Noun

The tape has an adhesive backing.

The project has received financial backing from several investors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Berlin withdrew its bid Thursday after coming a distant third in the evaluation and struggling with a lack of popular backing. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Shortly after Macklemore’s dismissal, the remaining supporting acts for Sheeran’s tour, including Grammy winner Finneas and folk band Beoga (Sheeran’s backing band), quit the Loop tour in solidarity. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Swift’s voice sounds steadier too, as her tone rises above the backing vocals and more coherently untangles her frustrations. — Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026

The company’s international push and strategic transformation accelerated since the backing of parent Italmobiliare, the investment group owned by the Pesenti family. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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