backbone

noun

back·​bone ˈbak-ˈbōn 

-ˌbōn

1

: spinal column, spine

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

: spine sense 1c

backboned

ˈbak-ˌbōnd 

adjective

Synonyms

• chine
• spinal column
• spine
• vertebral column

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

The enslaved also powered trades like construction and blacksmithing and served as the literal backbone of domestic work. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Nov. 2024

Seasonal employees—who patrol treacherous rivers, maintain rocky climbing routes, and care for critical salmon fisheries—form the backbone of essential fieldwork and research, and are at the forefront. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024

Sherpas are more often than not the backbone of international mountaineering expeditions, hauling heavy gear and supplies up mountains and guiding people to high-altitude summits in dangerous conditions. —Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024

In my opinion, discipline is the backbone of success in both running and business. —Nazar Gulyk, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

backbone

noun

back·​bone -ˈbōn 

-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 

-ˌbōnd

adjective

Medical Definition

backbone

noun

back·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn 

1

: spinal column, spine

2

: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)