backing

noun

back·​ing ˈba-kiŋ 

plural backings

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

Synonyms

• abetment
• aid
• assist
• assistance
• boost
• hand
• help
• helping hand
• leg up
• lift
• support

Examples of backing in a Sentence

The tape has an adhesive backing.

The project has received financial backing from several investors.

Recent Examples on the Web

The program has received backing from animal rights groups including PETA, who refer to it as a more humane solution than outright seeking to exterminate New York's entire rodent population. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Finding The Best Partner One may ask whether a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal is necessary for a team with strong financial backing. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

The prospect of theoretically limitless clean-energy has won the backing of multiple billionaires, including Sam Altman, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. —Aya Wagatsuma, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024

That kind of broad backing could eventually yield a coexistence framework between Israel and Iran with the Gulf states as mediators—a paradigm that requires Israel to halt its provocative attacks and Iran to restrain its retaliatory responses. —Maria Fantappie, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Kids Definition

backing

noun

back·​ing ˈbak-iŋ 

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 

: the metal portion of a dental crown, bridge, or similar structure to which a porcelain or plastic tooth facing is attached