binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a person or machine that binds something (such as books)
2
a
: something used in binding
b
: a usually detachable cover (as for holding sheets of paper)
3
: something (such as tar or cement) that produces or promotes cohesion in loosely assembled substances
4
: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued
5
: something (such as money) given in earnest
also : the agreement arrived at
6
: a tobacco leaf wrapped between the filler and wrapper of a cigar

Examples of binder in a Sentence

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.
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.
The collaboration featured 12 products, including a compression binder which is used particularly by transgender men and non-binary people. Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025 Also, remember: The best plans don’t just live in a binder; they’re practiced, pressure-tested and accessible across teams. Heather Stickler, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Much of the research behind the project entailed understanding production needs from sourcing binders, to editors, proofreaders, and mixing and mastering. Nia Shumake, Essence, 12 June 2025 Metal three-hole punch: For those who like to store their pencil case inside of a binder, some pencil cases come with a metal three-hole punch so it can be inserted into a binder with ease. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for binder

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binder was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Binder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binder. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a person or machine that binds something (as books)
2
: a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper
3
: something that holds other substances together
use egg as a binder in meat loaf

Medical Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a broad bandage applied (as about the chest or abdomen) for support
a breast binder
an obstetrical binder
2
: a substance (as glucose or acacia) used in pharmacy to hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet

Legal Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued
2
: a receipt for money paid to the owner of real estate or to the owner's agent to secure the right to purchase the real estate upon agreed terms
also : the money itself

More from Merriam-Webster on binder

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