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

In Weaver’s case, for example, one of the bindings found on her body had a lot of DNA from Weaver herself, some from her boyfriend and a much smaller amount from an unknown third person, Collins said. —Nina Giraldo, CNN Money, 10 May 2026

Blotting helps pull stains up and out of the rug's surface, preventing them from seeping into the binding. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 5 May 2026

Adjective

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a non-binding agreement to dispose of the county’s portion of the complex for $115 million in a deal with African American Sports and Entertainment Group, with a closing date set for June 30. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

Expect many students who plan to apply in the non-binding early round to schools like the University of Michigan, University of Virginia, University of Southern California, or Northeastern University to now add WashU to that mix. —Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 27 May 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