backing

noun back·ing \ ˈba-kiŋ \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: backing in a Sentence

Definition of backing

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

See backing defined for English-language learners

See backing defined for kids

Examples of backing in a Sentence

The tape has an adhesive backing.
The project has received financial backing from several investors.

Recent Examples of backing from the Web

Sisolak, who had the backing of former U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and chairs the powerful council overseeing the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding communities, defeated his commission colleague Christina Giunchigliani.

— Washington Post, "Democrats settle bruising primary for Nevada governor," 13 June 2018
Gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski has won the backing of fellow Republican Peter Lumaj.

— daniela altimari, courant.com, "Peter Lumaj Backs Bob Stefanowski In Governor's Race," 11 June 2018
Under a law passed in 2016 with the backing of key Republicans, Congress imposed mandatory sanctions on North Korea, and required that any significant permanent change to those sanctions be approved by Congress.

— NBC News, "U.S. won't bring up North Korea's human rights issues at Singapore summit," 11 June 2018
Take, for example, Amy McGrath, a veteran who won Kentucky’s Sixth District primary in May without the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

— emily stewart, Vox, "Women are running for office in record numbers. In corporate America, they’re losing ground.," 8 June 2018
Libyan forces with the backing of U.S. air power dislodged Islamic State from the city of Sirte in 2016.

— jared malsin, WSJ, "U.S. Airstrike Kills Four Islamic State Members in Libya," 7 June 2018
After a court ruling found that Mr. Rajoy’s party had benefited from a slush fund, Mr. Sánchez orchestrated a parliamentary revolt, winning the backing of a majority of lawmakers to oust Mr. Rajoy through a vote of no confidence.

— New York Times, "Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s New Leader, Returns From the Political Wilderness," 3 June 2018
Kopser continued with his relentless fundraising, piling up local endorsements, and winning the unofficial backing of the national Democratic Party.

— jeffrey mervis, Science | AAAS, "The science candidates: Texas runoff loss leaves Wilson with bitter taste," 31 May 2018
One reason for that is the backing of the European Central Bank (ECB)—ironically, a bugbear of the Italian populists.

— The Economist, "Italy’s political crisis is roiling financial markets once more," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of backing

1745

in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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backing Synonyms

BACKING Defined for English Language Learners

backing

noun

Definition of backing for English Language Learners

: something that forms a back
: support or aid
: the music that is played along with someone who is singing or playing the main tune : the music that accompanies someone