1
2
: something that resembles a backbone: such as
a
: a chief mountain ridge, range, or system
b
: the foundation or most substantial or sturdiest part of something
c
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (such as a polymer or protein)
d
: the primary high-speed hardware and transmission lines of a telecommunications network (such as the Internet)
3
: firm and resolute character
4
Examples of backbone in a Sentence
She is the backbone of the family.
He showed some backbone by refusing to compromise his values.
Recent Examples on the Web
The enslaved also powered trades like construction and blacksmithing and served as the literal backbone of domestic work.
—
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Nov. 2024
Seasonal employees—who patrol treacherous rivers, maintain rocky climbing routes, and care for critical salmon fisheries—form the backbone of essential fieldwork and research, and are at the forefront.
—Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024
Sherpas are more often than not the backbone of international mountaineering expeditions, hauling heavy gear and supplies up mountains and guiding people to high-altitude summits in dangerous conditions.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
In my opinion, discipline is the backbone of success in both running and business.
—Nazar Gulyk, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone 
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Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Nov. 2024
Seasonal employees—who patrol treacherous rivers, maintain rocky climbing routes, and care for critical salmon fisheries—form the backbone of essential fieldwork and research, and are at the forefront.
—Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024
Sherpas are more often than not the backbone of international mountaineering expeditions, hauling heavy gear and supplies up mountains and guiding people to high-altitude summits in dangerous conditions.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
In my opinion, discipline is the backbone of success in both running and business.
—Nazar Gulyk, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone
Articles Related to backbone
Dictionary Entries Near backbone
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backbone
noun
back·bone
-ˈbōn 
-ˌbōn
1
: the skeleton of the trunk and tail of a vertebrate that consists of a jointed series of vertebrae enclosing and protecting the spinal cord
called also spinal column
2
: the foundation or sturdiest part of something
3
: firmness of character
a coward with no backbone
Medical Definition
backbone
noun
back·bone
-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn
1
2
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)
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