binding

1 of 2

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ 

1

: the action of one that binds

2

: a material or device used to bind: such as

a

: the cover and materials that hold a book together

b

: a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges

c

: a device that holds a boot firmly to a ski or snowboard

binding

2 of 2

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

Examples of binding in a Sentence

Noun

a carpet edged with canvas binding

The bindings have started to come loose.

Adjective

The contract is legally binding.

The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

It isn’t yet known whether this binding is a good thing in designing an effective vaccine, but Brown said future studies should answer that question. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

Snowboarders are attached to their boards with bindings that keep their boots in place. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 17 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The negotiators, from 117 nations, also created the World Trade Organization to administer GATT rules and negotiations and to provide binding arbitration of disputes. —Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

One of Trump’s executive orders refuses to enforce a binding federal regulation, in order to fulfill his promise to dismantle the administrative state. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing binding

• adhesive binding
• binding energy
• binding site
• perfect binding
• spiral binding

Rhymes for binding

• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

Kids Definition

binding

noun

bind·​ing

ˈbīn-diŋ

1

: the cover and fastenings of a book

2

: a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

Legal Definition

binding

adjective

1

: imposing a legal obligation

the agreement is binding on the parties

2

: requiring submission to a specified authority

the suppression order was binding on the Department of Transportation

—National Law Journal