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 of backing

• support
• assistance
• assist
• help
• boost

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

Several thousand people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest crime, corruption and impunity in a demonstration organized by members of Generation Z, but which ended with strong backing from older supporters of opposition parties. —María Verza, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025

Avoid spraying the edges on your mirror to prevent any moisture or chemicals from seeping behind it and reaching the backing. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025

The online fanfare accompanying the viral video overshadowed a still impressive achievement in the early days of humanoids, especially by a team that AIDOL told Business Insider operates independently, without the backing of a large corporation or government funds. —Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 14 Nov. 2025

The military has long wielded extensive influence in Pakistan’s politics, but the reforms give it greater constitutional backing that would be difficult to reverse. —Reuters, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 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