backing

1 of 2

noun

back·​ing ˈba-kiŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
plural backings
Synonyms of backingnext
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

backing

2 of 2

present participle of back entry 4

Synonyms of backing

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of backing in a Sentence

Noun The tape has an adhesive backing. The project has received financial backing from several investors.
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.
Noun
Floral and stonewashed styles are flat-woven, while some striped and solid designs have a soft terry backing. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 So there’s something utilitarian, almost, about the track’s new redux featuring Rodrigo’s friend, former tourmate, and one-time backing singer. — Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 16 Oct. 2026 Cinema by Brand, launched with Innocean and PGK and sponsored by Hanwha, paired three film projects with brand backing. — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The resolution has 19 congressional co-sponsors and the backing of 54 civil and immigration rights organizations. — Mikayla Price, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backing was in 1745

Rhymes for backing

See All Rhymes for backing

Browse Nearby Words

back in action
backing
backing hammer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backing. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

backing

noun
back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ How to pronounce backing (audio)
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 How to pronounce backing (audio)
: the metal portion of a dental crown, bridge, or similar structure to which a porcelain or plastic tooth facing is attached
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fervid

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All