binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

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

Yes, this transpired, thanks to one of his staff members leaving a binder full of plays at the team hotel restaurant on Friday night just thirty minutes outside of Boulder. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The team also tested a gelatin-free formulation, although its performance was lower, and the researchers say stronger fully biological binders will be needed. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

One of the binders combines an advertisement for an MF DOOM album and a photograph by Cindy Sherman that shows the artist maniacally smiling while wearing a silvery mask. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Immediately after the election, DeSantis requested that his staff assemble a binder of information about the powers afforded him as governor. — Liv Coleman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing binder

• ring binder

Rhymes for binder

• blinder
• finder
• grinder
• kinder
• minder
• pinder
• bookbinder
• factfinder
• pathfinder
• reminder
• sidewinder
• viewfinder

Kids Definition

binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

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 

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 

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