bonding

noun

bond·​ing ˈbän-diŋ 

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

Synonyms of bonding

• adhesion
• cling
• adherence

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 on the Web

Last month, the couple rang in Thanksgiving with some more family bonding moments. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025

The 2026 session is not a budget-crafting session, but lawmakers could pass a supplemental budget and have other financial decisions, like how much to allocate for a bonding bill, ahead of them. —Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 23 Dec. 2025

Building something new together is a bonding experience. —Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025

Yes, Alex does begin to frequent New York’s famed Comedy Cellar, bonding with his fellow working comics (played by IRL stand-ups Chloe Radcliffe, Jordan Jensen, and Reggie Conquest). —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bonding

• ponding
• absconding
• desponding
• responding
• antibonding
• corresponding

Medical Definition

bonding

noun

bond·​ing

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