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

• 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

Marley and his backing band have now controlled the tally for 295 frames, missing out on the summit just once. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

That’s al-Sheikh’s domain, with the full backing of Saudi Arabia’s global ambitions. —Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

These arrangements were overseen by County Executive Mike Callagy and supported by supervisors who depend on union backing for political power. —Matthew J. Frauenfeld, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025

Neil Young and his latest backing band, the Chrome Hearts, are facing a trademark infringement lawsuit brought by the prominent luxury brand, Chrome Hearts. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 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