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.

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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; bind, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

He did say the company had a “tenant pipeline” that has strengthened since February, and expects to “execute binding tenant agreements” — plural — over the next 12 months.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The resolution, backed by African and Caribbean countries, is not legally binding but analysts say it sends a powerful message.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“This week’s verdicts aren’t legally binding on future judges and juries, but the SF case vs Meta this summer is key,” wrote Gallant.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

They called their blueprint the Golden Plan, binding it with a metallic-yellow cover.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

It had originally been purchased by a fellow of Christ’s College, Cambridge—its binding bears the college badge.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• conclusive
• irrevocable
• mandatory
• required