1
2
: something that resembles a backbone: such as
a
: a chief mountain ridge, range, or system
b
: the foundation or most substantial or sturdiest part of something
c
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (such as a polymer or protein)
d
: the primary high-speed hardware and transmission lines of a telecommunications network (such as the Internet)
3
: firm and resolute character
4
Examples of backbone in a Sentence
She is the backbone of the family.
He showed some backbone by refusing to compromise his values.
Recent Examples on the Web
This breach compromised over 3,000 sensitive files, including crucial records from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), handing China insights into circumventing U.S. financial scrutiny, and threatening the integrity of our economic backbone.
—
Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
While advertisers leverage demand-side platforms (DSPs) to set up and launch their campaigns, ad exchanges are still the backbone of programmatic ad buying.
—Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Multiple character arcs are the backbone of any ensemble drama, but too many of these threads aren’t sufficiently deepened as they’re woven into a larger tapestry.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Small to medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, driving growth while balancing ambitious goals with limited resources.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
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Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
While advertisers leverage demand-side platforms (DSPs) to set up and launch their campaigns, ad exchanges are still the backbone of programmatic ad buying.
—Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Multiple character arcs are the backbone of any ensemble drama, but too many of these threads aren’t sufficiently deepened as they’re woven into a larger tapestry.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Small to medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, driving growth while balancing ambitious goals with limited resources.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backbone
noun
back·bone
-ˈbōn 
-ˌbōn
1
: the skeleton of the trunk and tail of a vertebrate that consists of a jointed series of vertebrae enclosing and protecting the spinal cord
called also spinal column
2
: the foundation or sturdiest part of something
3
: firmness of character
a coward with no backbone
Medical Definition
backbone
noun
back·bone
-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn
1
2
: the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein)
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