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. 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; bind, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

They are binding promises—and they must be honored, especially when doing so is inconvenient.

From The Wall Street Journal

Horn said they had secured binding investor commitments to finance half of the center’s initial phase of development, and half of the final phase.

From The Wall Street Journal

These proposals suggest a legally binding limit - a carbon budget - for greenhouse gases emitted in the UK for the period 2038-2042.

From BBC

The referendum, which needs to be passed by a simple majority, notes that it will be "binding on the parties that win" the election.

From Barron's

Typical discussions with the racers might concern the binding setup, the boot ramp angle, the feel of the edges, and how the ski feels on different types of snow.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conclusive
• irrevocable
• mandatory
• required