binds; bound
ˈbaʊnd 
; binding
; binding
1
: to tie or wrap (something) with rope, string, etc.
She bound her hair in a ponytail.
The machine binds the hay into bales.
2
: to tie the hands or feet of a person to prevent escape or movement
He bound the prisoner's wrists (together) with a rope.
The captive was bound and gagged. [=tied up and stopped from talking with something that covers the mouth]
—sometimes used figurativelyThey are bound by their own inhibitions.
3
of clothing
: to prevent free movement by fitting too tightly
He doesn't like to wear clothes that bind.
4
: to wrap or cover (something) with a bandage
The doctor bound (up) the injured ankle.
5
: to make (someone) have to do something because of a promise, agreement, etc.
He bound himself with an oath.
—usually used as (be) boundBy signing here, you agree to be bound by the terms of the contract.
6
: to make (something, such as an agreement) certain
A handshake binds the deal.
7
: to cause (people) to be joined together closely
the emotional ties that bind us
different groups bound together by a common interest
8
: to cause (something) to form a mass that stays together
The mayonnaise binds the salad together.
If you leave out the eggs, the dough won't bind.
9
technical
: to combine with (something) by chemical forces
cellulose binds water
particles that bind to/with one another
10
: to put a special decorative edge on (something, such as cloth or carpet)
You need to bind the edges so it won't unravel.
11
: to put a cover or binding on (a book)
This book was bound by hand.
1
: a difficult situation
Can you help me? I seem to have gotten myself into a (bit of a) bind.
2
British
: an annoying problem : nuisance
It's a real bind having to meet all these deadlines.
Cite this Entry
“Bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bind. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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