backbone

noun

back·​bone ˈbak-ˈbōn How to pronounce backbone (audio)
-ˌbōn
1
2
: something that resembles a backbone: such as
a
: a chief mountain ridge, range, or system
b
: the foundation or most substantial or sturdiest part of something
c
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (such as a polymer or protein)
d
: the primary high-speed hardware and transmission lines of a telecommunications network (such as the Internet)
3
: firm and resolute character
4
backboned adjective

Examples of backbone in a Sentence

She is the backbone of the family. He showed some backbone by refusing to compromise his values.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Together, these tools form the backbone of trade defense infrastructure. Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 These are songs that form the backbone of Jamaican music in terms of culture and development of the music that followed. Heather Augustyn, SPIN, 21 Jan. 2025 As one of the league’s premier rim protectors and offensive rebounders, Robinson has been the backbone of New York’s defense since being drafted 36th overall in 2018. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025 The story of Wilcox County formed the backbone of the first story in our segregation academy series. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for backbone 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backbone was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near backbone

Cite this Entry

“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

backbone

noun
back·​bone -ˈbōn How to pronounce backbone (audio)
-ˌbōn
1
: the skeleton of the trunk and tail of a vertebrate that consists of a jointed series of vertebrae enclosing and protecting the spinal cord

called also spinal column

2
: the foundation or sturdiest part of something
3
: firmness of character
a coward with no backbone
backboned
-ˈbōnd How to pronounce backbone (audio)
-ˌbōnd
adjective

Medical Definition

backbone

noun
back·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce backbone (audio)
1
2
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)

More from Merriam-Webster on backbone

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