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

Discharge petitions require the backing of a simple majority of House members, or 218 signatories; in addition to the Republican defectors, twelve Democrats have so far signed Fitzpatrick’s petition, and 28 have signed Gottheimer and Kiggans’. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 12 Dec. 2025

This political backing fosters a climate in which settlers feel emboldened to act with impunity. —Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025

The tour will feature founder and guitarist Schon, keyboardist and backing vocalist Jonathan Cain, lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, keyboardist and vocalist Jason Derlatka, drummer and vocalist Deen Castronovo and bassist Todd Jensen. —Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

Even with external backing, the junta’s reliance on ethnic divisions, coercion, and border partnerships is likely to perpetuate instability and humanitarian suffering through 2026. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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