binding

1 of 2

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ How to pronounce binding (audio)
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 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
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
See how the Union Atlas shakes out compared to the other best bindings of the year. Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 The elder Freeman pressed his hands onto the safety net, and the younger did the same, and the binding between them made the moment no less tangible. Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The Biden administration pressured the incoming Labour Party government to accept a deal over fears that Mauritius would win its application for a binding ruling at the International Court of Justice to take control of the islands, the outlet reported, effectively shuttering the key air base. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Oct. 2024 As a binding legal document, an IEP’s contents must be agreed upon and signed by everyone who has a hand in crafting it. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for binding 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of binding was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near binding

Cite this Entry

“Binding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binding. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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 TransportationNational Law Journal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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