backing

1 of 2

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

backing

2 of 2

present participle of back entry 4

Synonyms of backing

Noun

• support
• assistance
• assist
• help
• boost

Examples of backing in a Sentence

Noun

The tape has an adhesive backing.

The project has received financial backing from several investors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These are the same arguments lawmakers used to block the legislative audit, which got 72% backing from voters and never made it onto the books. — Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026

Netanyahu received the backing of 46 lawmakers, while seven members of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party declined to endorse either candidate. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

With growing political clout, infrastructure and financial backing, the movement is looking to expand its influence nationwide, while one of its most prominent allies, Ocasio-Cortez, weighs a White House run. — Luke Fountain,alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026

All of the tour’s other openers and Sheeran’s own backing band ended up quitting the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine. — William Earl, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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