adj
Common
binding
BYN-dihng
Binding (adj) means Legally or officially required to be followed; not optional. Example: “The contract is binding, so both sides must keep to its terms.”
adj
1
Legally or officially required to be followed; not optional.
"The contract is binding, so both sides must keep to its terms."
"The arbitrator's decision is binding on both companies."
"Once you sign, the agreement becomes legally binding."
noun
1
The cover and stitching that hold the pages of a book together.
"The glue in the binding had dried out, and pages were falling out."
"She chose a cloth binding for her handmade notebook."
"The old book had a leather binding that was starting to crack."
2
A strip of fabric or tape used to finish the edge of a seam or hem.
"Mum sewed a navy binding around the edge of the placemats."
"Fold the binding over the raw edge and stitch it in place."
"She added a red binding along the edge of the quilt."
3
In computing, the association between a name and something it refers to, such as a variable and its value.
"The error occurred because the binding between the variable name and its value was missing."
"In this language, a binding links each name to a value inside a function."
"The language uses late binding, resolving names when the program runs."
How to use binding
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- bindings
- Comparative
- more binding
- Superlative
- most binding
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The contract is _____, so both sides must keep to its terms.
Etymology
From the verb "bind" plus "-ing" — literally, the act or result of binding something.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
non-binding
Related words
Rhymes for binding
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.
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