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

The firm is also less likely to see a need to raise capital as compared to smaller competitors, given the profitability of its other businesses, and funding from Beijing’s backing of the domestic semiconductor industry. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

The filling adds warmth and a little extra weight, while the prewashed cotton backing stays soft, even with numerous washings. —Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026

The release of a new food pyramid has been met with mixed reactions by school food advocates, who say changes to the cafeteria menu will need financial backing. —Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2026

His most recent attempt in 2021 only garnered Democratic support in the House, although a companion Senate bill has had bipartisan backing for years. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2026

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