binding

1 of 2

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 2

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

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

Now — ten years after scientists at Harvard confirmed that the 19th-century French book about the destiny of the human soul is bound in human skin — the original binding has been removed. —Maham Javaid, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2024

In one video, which has been viewed by more than 3.8 million people, Sandy shows how Evelyn has progressed from her first ride to then using bindings at 11 months in Park City, Utah. —Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024

Chest binding is part of gender-affirming care for some kids. —Lauren Rowello, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024

The thin marble sheets filter the light — book bindings are light sensitive — and the temperature and humidity of the interior glass box are controlled. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 8 Feb. 2024

What to Consider The bindings may lose some elasticity in extreme cold. —Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2023

The researchers measured both the strength (or affinity) of that binding and the rate at which the transcription factors become stuck and unstuck (kinetics) when the motif is flanked by an STR instead of a random sequence. —Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024

Glucose binding also disrupts the electrostatic attraction and further promotes insulin release. —Ivan Paul, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2023

These popular snowshoes feature a stretchy mesh binding that fits around almost any shoe to hold feet comfortably in place. —Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2023

Adjective

There is no right of appeal and the judgment is legally binding. —Laura Paddison, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

Another key argument made by Hunter Biden's counsel was that the tax charges violated a legally binding diversion agreement made last year. —Erica Brown, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2024

On Wednesday, the library apologized for objectifying and compromising the dignity of the woman whose skin was used for the binding while the book was in their care. —Maham Javaid, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2024

Under the interstate compact, a receiving state’s denial is technically binding. —Deborah Sontag, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2024

The referendum wasn’t binding, but protestors have been camping in the woods to prevent clearing attempts. —Steve Mollman, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024

In reality, the popup was a legally binding agreement not to sue Roku at any point in the future. —Lucas Ropek / Gizmodo, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024

This one has more of a streetwear feel thanks to its contrasting binding and front-zipper detail on the neckline. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024

The Indonesian government has yet to formulate binding rules on the use of AI tools. —Reuters, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2024

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 site
• perfect binding
• binding energy
• spiral binding

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