binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a person or machine that binds something (such as books)

2

a

: something used in binding

b

: a usually detachable cover (as for holding sheets of paper)

3

: something (such as tar or cement) that produces or promotes cohesion in loosely assembled substances

4

: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued

5

: something (such as money) given in earnest

also : the agreement arrived at

6

: a tobacco leaf wrapped between the filler and wrapper of a cigar

Examples of binder in a Sentence

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.

Recent Examples on the Web

These nano binders formed a thermoelectric material that was useful for achieving impressive flexibility and efficiency. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024

Having the right ratio of meat to filler (the panko) and binder (egg) is important. —Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024

More than a beverage, soy milk can be used as a binder in textile dyeing, helping color adhere to fabrics and yarns. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2024

The Roosevelt Institute established itself as a progressive competitor to Democrats’ favorite think tank, the Center for American Progress, and sent along Warren-friendly names: binders full of progressives. —Andrew Prokop, Vox, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing binder

• ring binder

Kids Definition

binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a person or machine that binds something (as books)

2

: a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper

3

: something that holds other substances together

use egg as a binder in meat loaf

Medical Definition

binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a broad bandage applied (as about the chest or abdomen) for support

a breast binder

an obstetrical binder

2

: a substance (as glucose or acacia) used in pharmacy to hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet

Legal Definition

binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər 

1

: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued

2

: a receipt for money paid to the owner of real estate or to the owner's agent to secure the right to purchase the real estate upon agreed terms

also : the money itself