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
Together, these technologies are forming the backbone of the modern smart city.
—
Hemanth Volikatla, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Small businesses, the backbone of the economy, are bearing the brunt of these actions.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
These professionals are the backbone of care for some of Florida’s and our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
—Joseph MacBeth, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Image The Gemini system is the backbone of a new personalized smart reply ability in Gmail.
—Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
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Hemanth Volikatla, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Small businesses, the backbone of the economy, are bearing the brunt of these actions.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
These professionals are the backbone of care for some of Florida’s and our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
—Joseph MacBeth, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Image The Gemini system is the backbone of a new personalized smart reply ability in Gmail.
—Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbone. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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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