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

The weekend after Miami lost 28-6 to the Baltimore Ravens, and days before the team’s 30-13 win over the Buffalo Bills, the popular games that were stationed inside the locker room to create team bonding, disappeared. —Omar Kelly november 13, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025

Extended breastfeeding was a bonding experience for the mother and daughter. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 12 Nov. 2025

The huge mock-up of Altadena’s fire map has become a meeting place, even a site of remembrance for survivors and bonding between community members. —Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Nov. 2025

Orgasms are great, but typically the answer leads to intimate connection, bonding and physical closeness. —Rachel Murray, Charlotte Observer, 10 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