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
Over time, those pages formed the backbone of four books.
—
Farshad Asl, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
From Andratx to Pollença, the Serra de Tramuntana forms the northern backbone of Mallorca.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 July 2025
These members were the backbone of La Familia’s parenting classes, diaper distributions and other support services for low-income families in south Sacramento.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
Despite a rocky season, Helsley still has the stuff to be the backbone of a major league bullpen.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
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show current usage.
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Farshad Asl, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
From Andratx to Pollença, the Serra de Tramuntana forms the northern backbone of Mallorca.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 July 2025
These members were the backbone of La Familia’s parenting classes, diaper distributions and other support services for low-income families in south Sacramento.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
Despite a rocky season, Helsley still has the stuff to be the backbone of a major league bullpen.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 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 29 Jul. 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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