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 of backing

• support
• assistance
• assist
• help
• boost

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

It’s made of a cotton-linen blend that lets the sunlight in, and its 100-percent-cotton backing layer is just thick enough to keep the summer heat out of the room without darkening it. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

This backing also allows for technology transfers and technology adoption beyond consumer products. — Radu Magdin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The current Journey lineup features Cain (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), Schon (lead guitar), Arnel Pineda (lead vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, vocals), Jason Derlatka (keyboards, vocals) and Todd Jensen (bass, vocals). — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Rush is also bucking tradition by employing an auxiliary musician, Loren Gold, on keyboards and backing vocals. — Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

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