binder

noun bind·er \ ˈbīn-dər \

Definition of binder

1 : a person or machine that binds something (such as books)

2 a : something used in binding

b : a usually detachable cover (as for holding sheets of paper)

3 : something (such as tar or cement) that produces or promotes cohesion in loosely assembled substances

4 : a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued

5 : something (such as money) given in earnest; also : the agreement arrived at

6 : a tobacco leaf wrapped between the filler and wrapper of a cigar

See binder defined for English-language learners

See binder defined for kids

Examples of binder in a Sentence

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.

Recent Examples of binder from the Web

That's the sound of a giant binder landing on a table to explain the game's cockamamie economy at launch.

— sam machkovech, Ars Technica, "Star Wars: Battlefront II review: Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope [Updated]," 17 Nov. 2017
That binder contained a plan for every possible contingency, a show of organization that blew away the athletic director.

— alex hickey, ajc, "O, no: Communication a troubling weakness for Ed Orgeron," 1 Oct. 2017
The Democratic congressman from Minnesota—and deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee—flipped through a white binder, jotting notes with a royal blue pen that perfectly matched his tie.

— graham vyse, New Republic, "The Democrats Are Taking Black Women for Granted," 22 Sep. 2017
Dorris sat facing the door, a box of shotgun shells to one side, to the other a bookcase with titles like The Jewish Confederates, Myths and Realities of American Slavery, and binders of Aqua Bath annual reports.

— connor towne o'neill, Daily Intelligencer, "America’s Ugliest Confederate Statue Isn’t Coming Down Anytime Soon," 16 Sep. 2017
And because Singularity Black has to be heated to about 575˚F to eliminate the binder in the painting, it can only be applied to materials that are able to withstand extreme temperatures.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Artists Can Now Buy One of the World’s Blackest Blacks," 16 Aug. 2017
Like binders, pencil bags, and furniture (sorry mom), plenty of plain surfaces benefit from a layer of colorful adhesive decorations…and nails are no exception.

— emily gaynor, Teen Vogue, "How To Do Sticker Nails," 9 Oct. 2017
Instead, flours must be combined and then complemented by binders, which add the volume and texture that wheat flour creates naturally.

— michelle khouri, USA TODAY, "A celiac's guide to going gluten-free," 3 Sep. 2017
The closure will allow the Hidden Hills subdivision contractor to install the storm sewer and replace the asphalt binder course along Maple Avenue.

— brittany seemuth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Maple Avenue in Sussex to close for weeks," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'binder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of binder

before 12th century

See Words from the same year

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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BINDER Defined for English Language Learners

binder

noun

Definition of binder for English Language Learners

: a cover for holding together sheets of paper
: a material that is used to hold things together
: a person or machine that puts books together

BINDER Defined for Kids

binder

noun bind·er \ ˈbīn-dər \

Definition of binder for Students

1 : a person who binds books

2 : a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper

3 : a machine that cuts grain and ties it into bundles

Medical Dictionary

binder

noun bind·er \ ˈbīn-dər \

medical Definition of binder

1 : a broad bandage applied (as about the chest or abdomen) for support

a breast binder

an obstetrical binder

2 : a substance (as glucose or acacia) used in pharmacy to hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet

Law Dictionary

binder

noun bind·er \ ˈbīn-dər \

legal Definition of binder

1 : a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued

2 : a receipt for money paid to the owner of real estate or to the owner's agent to secure the right to purchase the real estate upon agreed terms; also : the money itself