bonding

noun

bond·​ing ˈbän-diŋ 

1

: the formation of a close relationship (as between a mother and child or between a person and an animal) especially through frequent or constant association

2

: the attaching of a material (such as porcelain) to a tooth surface especially for cosmetic purposes

Synonyms

• adherence
• adhesion
• cling

Examples of bonding in a Sentence

He and his dad spent the weekend together for some male bonding.

this epoxy has good bonding for glass and ceramics

Recent Examples on the Web

Out of desperation and a need for social bonding, volunteers have banded together to help Altadena residents. —Ken Bensinger, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Expressing our grievances properly can be a way of bonding, which Chantelle, a hairdresser, knows from the customers who come through her salon to share their heartbreaks and insecurities. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

When Kansas lawmakers passed an aggressive bonding plan last year to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals across the state line, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson made clear that there needed to be a response. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025

This does lead to a nice bonding moment after Deb comes home and realizes how baked her brother is. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

bonding

noun

bond·​ing

1

: the formation of a close relationship (as between a mother and child or between a person and an animal) especially through frequent or constant association see male bonding

2

: a dental technique in which a material and especially plastic or porcelain is attached to a tooth surface to correct minor defects (as chipped or discolored teeth) especially for cosmetic purposes