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
How to Choose Colors that Complement Wood Furniture and Floors
13 of 41
Urban Farmhouse Style
Wood cabinets with simple lines and a pale stain and minimalist hardware are the backbone of this urban farmhouse kitchen.
—
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2024
The researchers found that the anonymous woman stood 1.54 meters, or a little more than 5 feet, tall and suffered from mild arthritis of the spine, with scans revealing bone spurs on some vertebrae that make up the backbone.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024
Also examined is Ephron’s personal life, which made up the backbone of her autobiographical novel and screenplay for Heartburn — later adapted by Mike Nichols into a 1986 film starring Streep — and her ultimate decision not to inform loved ones about her fatal cancer diagnosis.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 31 July 2024
Women have been the backbone of America's economic progress in ways that often go unseen and uncelebrated.
—John Hope Bryant, TIME, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone 
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2024
The researchers found that the anonymous woman stood 1.54 meters, or a little more than 5 feet, tall and suffered from mild arthritis of the spine, with scans revealing bone spurs on some vertebrae that make up the backbone.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024
Also examined is Ephron’s personal life, which made up the backbone of her autobiographical novel and screenplay for Heartburn — later adapted by Mike Nichols into a 1986 film starring Streep — and her ultimate decision not to inform loved ones about her fatal cancer diagnosis.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 31 July 2024
Women have been the backbone of America's economic progress in ways that often go unseen and uncelebrated.
—John Hope Bryant, TIME, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backbone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
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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