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

Indeed, reissuing books with new cover designs, different sizes and bindings, new introductions, or other ancillary material is commonly practiced to revive backlist sales and cross-promote newer offerings. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026

Gently dust books with a soft cloth or compressed air to remove debris without damaging pages or bindings. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Shareholder votes on executive pay are non-binding. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026

However, the settlement between Chandler and Michael reportedly included an agreement that the Chandlers can never be mentioned or dramatized in a movie, and Puck reported in January 2025 that the legally binding agreement had previously been overlooked when the script was vetted and approved. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for binding

• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

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