backing

[ bak-ing ]

noun

1. aid or support of any kind.

   Synonyms: sponsorship, encouragement, patronage, sanction, endorsement, assistance, help

2. supporters or backers collectively.
3. something that forms the back or is placed at or attached to the back of anything to support, strengthen, or protect it.
4. Theater. a curtain or flat placed behind a window, entrance, or other opening in a stage set to conceal the offstage area.
5. material for backing a joist or rafter.
6. a bevel given to the outer and upper edge of a hip rafter.
7. the musical accompaniment for a soloist; backup.

backing

/ ˈbækɪŋ /

noun

1. support given to a person, cause, or enterprise
2. a body of supporters
3. something that forms, protects, supports, or strengthens the back of something
4. theatre a scenic cloth or flat placed behind a window, door, etc, in a set to mask the offstage space
5. musical accompaniment, esp for a pop singer
6. the support in gold or precious metals for a country's issue of money in notes
7. meteorol an anticlockwise change in wind direction
8. a passageway running behind a row of terraced houses

Word History and Origins

Origin of backing¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; back ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

While plans for the new competition remain embryonic, those involved insist there is money behind it, with that financial backing understood to be coming principally from the United States, rather than the Middle East.

From BBC

Although Sarwar has said the UK Labour government’s new criteria is too restrictive, he has stopped short of backing SNP calls for a UK government U-turn.

From BBC

If Balatro does take the top prize on the night it will be the first indie title in the Game Awards' 10-year history without the backing of a major publisher to do so.

From BBC

He said that Sudan had wanted a clause condemning the United Arab Emirate's backing of the RSF, something which the UAE has consistently denied.

From BBC

During this election cycle, Trump campaigned on backing states' decisions on whether to expand or curtail abortion access and vowed to veto a federal abortion ban should it ever reach his desk.

From Salon

Related Words

• advocacy
• aid
• assistance
• encouragement
• endorsement
• help
• sponsorship
• subsidy