binding

1 of 2

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ 

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 

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

Noun

The Uni ski design hasn’t changed for 2025, but Salomon’s Shift Race binding is brand new. —Stephanie Pearson, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024

Scientific analysis done in 2014 confirmed the binding was made of human skin, the university said. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2024

Adjective

More than 20 chief executives from some of the world’s largest companies have called on governments to agree ‘global binding rules’ to address the issue of plastic pollution. —Jamie Hailstone, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Formal talks on joining the bloc already began in June, but the — non-legally binding — referendum of Sunday was seen as cementing Moldova’s pro-EU trajectory. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing binding

• adhesive binding
• binding energy
• binding site
• perfect binding
• spiral binding

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