bonding

noun

bond·ing ˈbän-diŋ

: 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

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

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web The difference between a junk-food overnight and a week of junk food won’t have meaningful effect — whereas the effect of grandparent bonding can be lifelong.

Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2022 It’s the kind of bonding that has allowed Thompson-Robinson to hold difficult conversations without anyone becoming overheated.

Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2022 The rapper took her 15-month-old daughter, Kulture, to the Happiest Place on Earth for an evening full of rides, snacks and plenty of mother-daughter bonding.

Mackenzie Schmidt, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2022 Many have tried out extreme forms of long-distance bonding.

New York Times, 14 July 2022 More than any other sport, football creates that type of bonding.

Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 22 June 2022 One compilation to their summer of bonding is Justin's unexpected reunion with his stepsister Maisy-May (Julia Stiles).

Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 16 June 2022 Naming promotes a sense of control and psychological ownership, which is a form of bonding.

Kathryn Hymes, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2022 While Jet-Setting with Mom Khloé Kardashian: 'My Little Lady' Khloé posted a series of snapshots in a slideshow on her Instagram, showing her bonding with True, who hung onto her mom's back, as the pair took a dip in the water.

Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2022 See More

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of bonding was in 1969

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bonding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonding. Accessed 26 Sep. 2022.

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Medical Definition

bonding

noun

bond·ing

: 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

: 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