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
If that’s the digital backbone, manufacturers are now racing to fix the physical side of the equation. —
Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026 The 67-year-old worked on NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor telescopes that are the detection backbone used by NEO Hunter. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026 Catalysts are the invisible backbone of modern life, essential for everything from electronics to pharmaceuticals. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026 The 6-11 Sengun has become the backbone of Rockets coach Ime Udoka’s teams, coming off his second consecutive All-Star appearance. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backbone
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.
Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026 The 67-year-old worked on NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor telescopes that are the detection backbone used by NEO Hunter. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026 Catalysts are the invisible backbone of modern life, essential for everything from electronics to pharmaceuticals. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026 The 6-11 Sengun has become the backbone of Rockets coach Ime Udoka’s teams, coming off his second consecutive All-Star appearance. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backbone
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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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