adj Common

binding

BYN-dihng

Binding (adj) means Legally or officially required to be followed; not optional. Example: “The arbitrator's decision is binding on both companies.”

adj

Legally or officially required to be followed; not optional.

"The arbitrator's decision is binding on both companies."

"Once you sign, the agreement becomes legally binding."

noun

The cover and stitching that hold the pages of a book together.

"The old book had a leather binding that was starting to crack."

A strip of fabric or tape used to finish the edge of a seam or hem.

"She added a red binding along the edge of the quilt."

In computing, the association between a name and something it refers to, such as a variable and its value.

"The language uses late binding, resolving names when the program runs."

How to use binding

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that must be obeyed (an agreement), or the physical/structural thing that holds parts together (a book cover, a seam edge).

Common pairings

legally binding book binding binding agreement binding arbitration

Word forms

more binding comparative, bindings plural, most binding superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “binding” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The arbitrator's decision is _____ on both companies.

Etymology

From the verb "bind" plus "-ing" — literally, the act or result of binding something.

Synonyms

View more →

obligatory mandatory compulsory enforceable unbreakable irrevocable

Antonyms

non-binding

Related words

necessary required unnecessary voluntary mandatory optional fragile compulsory

Rhymes for binding

winding finding minding grinding blinding reminding rewinding

See all rhymes for binding →

Frequently asked questions

What does “binding” mean?

The word “binding” means legally or officially required to be followed; not optional. In plain terms, something that must be obeyed (an agreement), or the physical/structural thing that holds parts together (a book cover, a seam edge).

How do you pronounce “binding”?

“Binding” is pronounced BYN-dihng (/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “binding” in a sentence?

Here is “binding” used in a sentence: “The arbitrator's decision is binding on both companies.”

What is the opposite of “binding”?

The opposite of “binding” — its antonyms — is non-binding.

What part of speech is “binding”?

Depending on how it is used, “binding” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “binding” a common word?

“Binding” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “binding” have?

“Binding” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: legally or officially required to be followed; not optional.

What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding agreement?

A binding agreement is legally required to be followed and can be enforced, so breaking it may carry legal consequences. A non-binding agreement records intentions or understandings but does not create obligations that a court would enforce.

What makes a contract legally binding?

In the adjective sense, "binding" means an agreement is officially required to be honoured rather than optional. A contract generally becomes binding when the parties genuinely agree to clear terms with the intention of being legally held to them.

What is the difference between binding and mandatory?

"Binding" describes an agreement or decision that must be followed because it is legally or officially enforceable, often between agreeing parties. "Mandatory" more broadly describes anything that is required by a rule or authority, whether or not a contract is involved.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include binding:

Words that start with B

People also searched

necessary required unnecessary voluntary mandatory optional fragile compulsory