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
Education is the backbone of society, shaping the mindsets of future leaders, influencers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs through a blend of skills and knowledge.
—
William Jones, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
These critical components form the backbone of your security posture.
—Kevin Lynch, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
At Peacock, live sports has become a backbone of the service, and the ad sales team is trying to bring some of its functionality to that programming.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025
Constructor Notes Thanks to Steven Wright for the wry observation that forms the backbone of this puzzle.
—Elie Levine, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for backbone 
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William Jones, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
These critical components form the backbone of your security posture.
—Kevin Lynch, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
At Peacock, live sports has become a backbone of the service, and the ad sales team is trying to bring some of its functionality to that programming.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025
Constructor Notes Thanks to Steven Wright for the wry observation that forms the backbone of this puzzle.
—Elie Levine, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for backbone
Articles Related to backbone
Dictionary Entries Near backbone
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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