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

According to Keethia Griffiths, a mom of one, parents should focus on activities that include everyone and encourage bonding. —Whitney Roberts, Parents, 5 Dec. 2025

The young star has appreciated his time bonding with Claffey away from the set. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 4 Dec. 2025

In April 2018, Justin told PEOPLE the exciting milestones his then-6-month-old had reached, including turning, sitting up, crawling and bonding with his older sister. —Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

In the summer of 2013, American hiker Andrew McGowan and Taiwanese student Shallen Yu spent one wonderful day together eating ice cream, stargazing and bonding over peach cobbler in Yellowstone National Park. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 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