binding

1 of 2

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ How to pronounce binding (audio)
Synonyms of bindingnext
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 How to pronounce binding (audio)
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
Tools and materials used illustrate each phase of the process from parchment making, writing and illuminating through the final binding. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Complete with brown poplin binding, the piece delivers a coastal nod without screaming beach bag. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 July 2026
Adjective
The vote is non-binding, and the FDA could choose to side with its own scientists. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Florida’s Holtec International joined forces with Louisiana’s Entergy Services and Seoul’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction to sign a non-binding memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, August 4. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing binding

Rhymes for binding

See All Rhymes for binding

Browse Nearby Words

bindi-eye
binding
binding course
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Binding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binding. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on binding

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for binding

Nglish: Translation of binding for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binding

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