noun
Common
backing
BAK-ihng
Backing (noun) means Support, especially financial support, given to a person or project. Example: “Without the backing of local businesses, the festival could not have gone ahead.”
noun
1
Support, especially financial support, given to a person or project.
"Without the backing of local businesses, the festival could not have gone ahead."
"The new theatre company is looking for backing from private donors."
"The startup secured backing from two venture capital firms."
2
Material attached to the back of something to reinforce or support it.
"The picture frame has a thick cardboard backing at the rear."
"Peel the paper backing off the sticker and press it firmly onto the wall."
"The rug has a rubber backing to stop it slipping."
3
Musicians or singers who support a lead performer.
"The pop star thanked her backing singers at the end of the show."
"He sang lead while his friends provided the backing."
"The singer toured with a full backing band."
How to use backing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSupport (financial or otherwise) for someone, or the material/performers supporting a main act.
Common pairings
financial backing
backing vocals
backing track
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Word forms
- Plural
- backings
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Without the _____ of local businesses, the festival could not have gone ahead.
Etymology
From back + -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for backing
hacking
lacking
jacking
sacking
racking
cracking
blacking
clacking
tracking
quacking
smacking
whacking
See all rhymes for backing →
Frequently asked questions
What does “backing” mean?
The word “backing” means support, especially financial support, given to a person or project. In plain terms, support (financial or otherwise) for someone, or the material/performers supporting a main act.
How do you pronounce “backing”?
“Backing” is pronounced BAK-ihng (/ˈbæk.ɪŋ(ɡ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “backing” in a sentence?
Here is “backing” used in a sentence: “The startup secured backing from two venture capital firms.”
What part of speech is “backing”?
“Backing” is a noun.
Is “backing” a common word?
“Backing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “backing” have?
“Backing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: support, especially financial support, given to a person or project.
What is the difference between 'backing' and 'funding'?
'Backing' is support given to a person or project, which may be financial but can also mean encouragement, approval, or influence, while 'funding' refers specifically to money provided. All funding is a form of backing, but backing can include support that is not money.
What is the difference between 'backing' and 'endorsement'?
'Backing' is active support, often including money or resources put behind a person or project, while an 'endorsement' is a public statement of approval or recommendation. You can endorse something with words alone, but backing usually implies putting real support behind it.
What prepositions are used with 'backing'?
You usually have 'backing for' a person or project and 'backing from' a supporter, as in 'the campaign won backing from local businesses'. Both patterns are common when describing who provides support and what it is for.
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