binding

[ bahyn-ding ]

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

/ 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 Words From

• binding·ly adverb
• binding·ness noun
• non·binding adjective
• non·binding·ly adverb
• non·binding·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of binding¹

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

Example Sentences

During its initial experimental phase, the GPC signal is not intended to convey legally binding requests.

From Digiday

While it has 30 days to scrub any offending contract clauses and comply with the legally binding agreement.

From TechCrunch

With 192 pages of acid-free and a strong binding, your loved one will be able to hold onto this notebook for years to come.

From Popular-Science

The binding is made from tough wire that, unlike traditional spiral notebooks, won’t bend in a backpack or pocket.

From Popular-Science

When Softbank bought Arm in 2016 it avoided this kind of review, in part due its legally binding commitment on jobs.

From Fortune

Binding the resolution of my case to progress in the nuclear negotiations is profoundly unjust.

From The Daily Beast

That ruling is binding law in the United States, no matter what the former vice president says.

From The Daily Beast

It was done after we had received a binding legal opinion from Justice and approval from the White House to proceed.

From The Daily Beast

While a good start, some security experts say the guidelines should be binding.

From The Daily Beast

But the amendment was non-binding -- and thus largely symbolic.

From The Daily Beast

Again, common law decisions are not binding on the courts that make them like statutes or legislative commands.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever reason the transaction affords for binding the former, it supplies for holding the latter bound.

From Project Gutenberg

A benefit conferred, in the honest, though mistaken, belief that such a promise is binding ought in justice to be restored.

From Project Gutenberg

But then she had sworn, and to some people, and Georgie was one of these, an oath remains ever binding.

From Project Gutenberg

Even although he had tacitly consented to Romanoff's proposal he saw no necessity for binding himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conclusive
• irrevocable
• mandatory
• required