bonding

noun bond·ing \ ˈbän-diŋ \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Definition of bonding

1 : the formation of a close relationship (as between a mother and child or between a person and an animal) especially through frequent or constant association

2 : the attaching of a material (such as porcelain) to a tooth surface especially for cosmetic purposes

See bonding defined for English-language learners

Examples of bonding in a Sentence

He and his dad spent the weekend together for some male bonding.
this epoxy has good bonding for glass and ceramics

Recent Examples of bonding from the Web

Those kinds of bonding experiences can also serve to establish the coach as a trustworthy figure.

— eddie pells, The Christian Science Monitor, "Bond between players and coach may have saved Thai boy's lives," 13 July 2018
The project was funded mostly through state bonding, with $191 million coming from three federal grants.

— Washington Post, "Commuter rail line from N. Haven to Springfield opens," 15 June 2018
Reaction: #Cavs are 1-for-3 in the business, team-bonding suits.

— doug lesmerises, cleveland.com, "The Cleveland Cavaliers and a brief history of panic: Doug Lesmerises," 14 May 2018
That was our bonding time and some of my favorite moments.

— tiffany blackstone, Redbook, "Playing Mom and Rock Star: Pink Says "She's Never Juggled So Many Damn Plates"," 14 May 2018
This team-bonding silliness has made leprechauns the theme of the 2018 softball season, courtesy of an old video on YouTube where broadcasters are reporting leprechaun sightings.

— melanie laughman, Cincinnati.com, "Heart & Hustle: Ryle softball's Maclai Branson makes her own luck through skill, hard work," 9 May 2018
In 2012, Jojokian, a former squad director and choreographer for the NBA's Washington Wizards, announced a mandatory team-bonding boat trip.

— author: juliet macur, Anchorage Daily News, "NFL cheerleaders say Redskins trip crossed a line," 2 May 2018
Maybe our bonding moments will revolve around music or basketball or ballet or art.

— jordan rodriguez, idahostatesman, "Getting ready for my new fishing buddy — and the adventures we’ll share | Idaho Statesman," 23 Apr. 2018
All three shows are big on female bonding and friendship while blasting the myth that women are always catty and are way too busy sharpening their talons to give a sister a hand.

— karla peterson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Meet the heroines of this summer's Must-See #MeToo TV," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bonding.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of bonding

1969

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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bonding Synonyms

BONDING Defined for English Language Learners

bonding

noun

Definition of bonding for English Language Learners

: the process of forming a close relationship with someone

Medical Dictionary

bonding

noun bond·ing

medical Definition of bonding

1 : the formation of a close relationship (as between a mother and child or between a person and an animal) especially through frequent or constant association — see male bonding

2 : a dental technique in which a material and especially plastic or porcelain is attached to a tooth surface to correct minor defects (as chipped or discolored teeth) especially for cosmetic purposes