backing

noun

back·​ing ˈba-kiŋ 

plural backings

1

: something forming a back

a tape with adhesive backing

2

a

: support, aid

financial backing

… sectarian or ethnic warlords battling for territory, with the backing of sponsors from neighboring countries.

—Aparisim Ghosh

b

: the music that is played along with someone who is singing or playing the main tune : the music that accompanies the lead musician

… she plans to record the songs with the backing of an orchestra.

—Cortney Harding

c

: endorsement especially of a warrant by a magistrate

Synonyms

• abetment
• aid
• assist
• assistance
• boost
• hand
• help
• helping hand
• leg up
• lift
• support

Examples of backing in a Sentence

The tape has an adhesive backing.

The project has received financial backing from several investors.

Recent Examples on the Web

The demand comes with the backing of the White House after a joint phone call with US President Donald Trump, the Europeans said. —Mariya Knight, CNN Money, 10 May 2025

May 8, 2025 The backing of Ramaswamy represents Trump’s MAGA branch of the GOP defeating establishment-minded figures once again. —Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 9 May 2025

Airline executives and trade representatives attended the plan's unveiling, expressing full backing of the proposal. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 8 May 2025

Theoretical Backbone This organizational shape finds robust backing in the work of Harvard Business School’s Clayton Christensen. —Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for backing

• blacking
• clacking
• cracking
• hacking
• jacking
• lacking
• packing
• racking
• sacking
• slacking
• smacking
• snacking

Kids Definition

backing

noun

back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ 

1

: something forming a back

2

a

: support entry 2, aid

b

: musical accompaniment

c

: endorsement sense 3, approval

Medical Definition

backing

noun

back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ 

: the metal portion of a dental crown, bridge, or similar structure to which a porcelain or plastic tooth facing is attached