binding

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

Examples of binding in a Sentence

The contract is legally binding.

The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

Recent Examples on the Web

His bill to make Massachusetts’ 2030 emissions target non-binding, cut funding for clean energy programs, and mitigate the effect of climate policies on utility bills passed the House of Representatives last month. —Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026

Ginsberg first read the titular entry in Howl and Other Poems at San Francisco’s Six Gallery in 1955, and the work anthologized a year later by fellow poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti as the fourth entry in the City Lights Bookstore imprint with its distinctive slender binding and black-and-white cover. —Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

The votes are non-binding, so companies aren’t required to act on them. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 June 2026

Early Action Changes the Psychological Equation The biggest headline is the introduction of a non-binding Early Action (EA) option. —Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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