1
: a person or machine that binds something (such as books)
2
a
: something used in binding
b
: a usually detachable cover (as for holding sheets of paper)
3
: something (such as tar or cement) that produces or promotes cohesion in loosely assembled substances
4
: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued
5
: something (such as money) given in earnest
also : the agreement arrived at
6
: a tobacco leaf wrapped between the filler and wrapper of a cigar

Examples of binder in a Sentence

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Get In a Bind Use mustard or mayo as a binder for your rub—think of it as seasoning glue. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025 When Mares found out one of Kettle & Fire’s natural flavor suppliers used small amounts of canola oil as a binder, the company stopped working with that supplier and changed to another that used olive oil. Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, he’s picked up a thick binder and is flicking through it. Maya Singer, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025 During a visit last fall, a representative from Pace Gallery, Samaras’s longtime dealer, pulled a black binder from a shelf, one among dozens lined up in an orderly row, to reveal hundreds more self-portraits, intricately etched in pencil. Andrew Moore, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for binder

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binder was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Binder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binder. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: a person or machine that binds something (as books)
2
: a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper
3
: something that holds other substances together
use egg as a binder in meat loaf

Medical Definition

1
: a broad bandage applied (as about the chest or abdomen) for support
a breast binder
an obstetrical binder
2
: a substance (as glucose or acacia) used in pharmacy to hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet

Legal Definition

1
: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued
2
: a receipt for money paid to the owner of real estate or to the owner's agent to secure the right to purchase the real estate upon agreed terms
also : the money itself

More from Merriam-Webster on binder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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