binding

American  

[bahyn-ding] / ˈbaɪn dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of fastening, securing, uniting, or the like.

2. anything that binds.

3. the covering within which the leaves of a book are bound.

4. a strip of material that protects or decorates the edge of a tablecloth, rug, etc.

5. Skiing. a mechanical device on a ski, usually made of metal, that fastens the boot securely to the ski.

---

adjective

1. that binds; restrictive.

2. having power to bind or oblige; obligatory.

   a binding promise.

binding British  

/ ˈbaɪndɪŋ /

noun

1. anything that binds or fastens

2. the covering within which the pages of a book are bound

3. the material or tape used for binding hems, etc

---

adjective

1. imposing an obligation or duty

   a binding promise

2. causing hindrance; restrictive

Other Word Forms

• bindingly
  adverb
• bindingness
  noun
• nonbinding
  adjective
• nonbindingly
  adverb
• nonbindingness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of binding

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; see origin at bind, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

To be a legal marriage for UK purposes, a Nikkah is required to be done in registered premises, but it is binding under Islamic and Pakistani law.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

UniCredit said the agreement it signed was nonbinding, and that completion of the transaction is subject to the signing of binding documentation, implementation of the spinoff and regulatory approvals.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

The court's decisions are binding but it has no power to ensure that they are upheld.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

While the nine-person jury is expected to decide the case by the end of this month, their decision is not binding.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The sinew binding felt faintly warm, giving him the courage to step down onto the cave floor.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

• conclusive
• irrevocable
• mandatory
• required