Binding

/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonLegal
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Legally or morally obligatory

/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Legal

Obligatory; legally enforced.

The agreement is binding on both parties.

💡 Simply: Must be followed; required by law.

More Examples

2

The judge ruled the contract binding.

How It's Used

Legal

"The contract is legally binding."

2

A cover or fastening that holds something together.

/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
Object

Something that binds or ties.

The binding on the old book was loose.

💡 Simply: Something that ties things together.

More Examples

2

She used a strong binding to secure the package.

How It's Used

Bookbinding

"The book's binding was damaged."

Tip:Think of a book's binding holding the pages together.
3

To tie, fasten, or constrain.

/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To tie or fasten something.

He bound the prisoner's hands.

💡 Simply: To tie or fasten.

More Examples

2

The treaty bound the nations together.

How It's Used

General

"She bound the package with string."

Tip:Think of tying something together tightly.

Idioms & expressions

binding agreement

A legally enforceable contract.

"They signed a binding agreement to purchase the property."

From Old English *bindan, related to Old High German *bindan, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *bindaną.

The word 'binding' has been used in legal contexts since the Middle Ages.

Memory tip

Think of something that 'binds' you to an obligation.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to tie or fasten"

binding agreementbinding contractlegally binding

Common misspellings

bindngbindin

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written