binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
Synonyms of bindernext
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

Examples of binder in a Sentence

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Also look for Rowan Boomer, 19, the son of the executive producers, flipping through a binder of potential tattoos. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026 It is often thickened with binders and doesn’t soak deep into porous concrete like oil can. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026 Carbon black is mixed with a binder solution to create conductive ink used to print electronic circuitry. Alan Gionet, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026 Bondi was ridiculed over a move to hand out binders of Epstein files to conservative influencers at the White House, only for it to be later revealed that the documents included no new revelations. Arkansas Online, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for binder

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binder was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Binder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binder. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a person or machine that binds something (as books)
2
: a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper
3
: something that holds other substances together
use egg as a binder in meat loaf

Medical Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
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

Legal Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on binder

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster