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

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Noun

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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
The film, released independently with the backing of The Guardian and MK2, sees the directors interviewing Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers, whose identities are hidden, on the civilian death toll in Gaza. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has lent some backing in their own study to Waymo’s safety brag. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026 For Rebeca Aguilar, head of international distribution at Movistar Plus, co-productions offer more than financial backing. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Greep — who eventually came to the stage an hour later than scheduled, and without his backing band — addressed the accusation on the flyers to begin the Vancouver show. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 10 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

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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 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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