binding

1 of 3

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ 

1

: the action of one that binds

2

: a material or device used to bind: such as

a

: the cover and materials that hold a book together

b

: a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges

c

: a device that holds a boot firmly to a ski or snowboard

binding

2 of 3

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

binding

3 of 3

present participle of bind entry 1

Examples of binding in a Sentence

Noun

a carpet edged with canvas binding

The bindings have started to come loose.

Adjective

The contract is legally binding.

The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To qualify, each candidate had to demonstrate consistent binding at both laboratories, meet a specified affinity threshold, and show no detectable binding to an unrelated human protein used as a control. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

The club will not accept clothing, loose bindings or other hardware not attached to a ski or snowboard. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The commission last year endorsed Martin’s plan in a preliminary but non-binding vote. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

In the letter to the DOJ, Boutrous noted that the AP ruling was non-binding and non-precedential. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing binding

• adhesive binding
• binding energy
• binding site
• perfect binding
• spiral binding

Rhymes for binding

• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

Kids Definition

binding

noun

bind·​ing

ˈbīn-diŋ

1

: the cover and fastenings of a book

2

: a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

Legal Definition

binding

adjective

1

: imposing a legal obligation

the agreement is binding on the parties

2

: requiring submission to a specified authority

the suppression order was binding on the Department of Transportation

—National Law Journal