bonding
Americannoun
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Psychology, Animal Behavior.
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a relationship that usually begins at the time of birth between a parent and offspring and that establishes the basis for an ongoing mutual attachment.
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the establishment of a pair bond.
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a close friendship that develops between adults, often as a result of intense experiences, as those shared in military combat.
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Dentistry. a technique or procedure for restoring the discolored or damaged surface of a tooth by coating it with a highly durable resinous material that adheres to the existing enamel.
noun
Etymology
Origin of bonding
First recorded in 1670–80, for an earlier sense; bond 1 + -ing 1
Explanation
Bonding is what happens when you develop a close emotional connection with another person, or when two things are fastened together. Touching your tongue to a frozen flagpole is one way of bonding, though this is not recommended. When a baby hippo in the zoo snuggles up to her mother, bonding is happening. And though it may not seem like it, even sitting for hours in the backseat with your annoying little brother is a kind of bonding, or building a relationship through constant contact. In addition to this emotional bonding, there's a physical kind of bonding, like when you superglue a quarter to the floor to trick your little brother.
Vocabulary lists containing bonding
Vocabulary from the Introduction to "Reality is Broken" by Jane McGonigal
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Half a World Away
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 16–March 22, 2024
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite the large venue and packed-in audience, Sykes created an intimate club vibe, walking onstage in a utilitarian jumpsuit and instantly bonding with the audience over just how weird things have become in present-day America.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
The Dutch supplier of semiconductor assembly equipment posted stronger orders and guidance above consensus, and its comments around hybrid bonding progress are also positive, Barclays analysts say in a research note.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
For some parents, screens can still play a role in bonding with their children.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
Similar bonding patterns have been observed in other phosphoric acid clusters, suggesting that this arrangement may be a common structural feature.
From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026
Frank and Barbara soon began dating, bonding over a shared love of adventure and action.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
