backing

[bak-ing]

noun

1. aid or support of any kind.

   Synonyms: encouragement, patronage, sanction, sponsorship, 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

Candidates who have the backing would then seek nominations from local parties and unions before a vote.

From BBC

Widely acknowledged to be one of the best goalkeepers in history, Van der Sar was genuinely excited for Onana's move to United and was still backing him after a disappointing first season.

From BBC

Some on the left believe that unconditional support for Israel will incur the same political cost as backing the Iraq War did in 2008.

From Salon

Analysis of who is - and who is not - backing the party, and why, provides us with vital clues.

From BBC

Competition for the Swedish contract is with a French shipbuilding firm, which has the vigorous backing of the French government.

From BBC

Related Words

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