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.

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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

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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

The material was designed to localize to injured tissue by binding to leaky microvasculature and was largely degraded within about three days.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

Financial-aid needs complicate that calculus: Applying early decision, which is binding, could limit applicants’ ability to compare aid packages.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

The suit argues early-decision isn’t legally binding, even though applicants think it is.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

But co-founder Katie Kendrick called for a "binding timetable for reform" and "concrete progress", adding that "leaseholders have run out of patience".

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

The escape instructions, prepared carefully by his MI6 handlers, had been sealed into the hardcover binding of a book.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Related Words

• conclusive
• irrevocable
• mandatory
• required