backing

Pluralbackings (some meanings)

1. 1
   noununcountable

   Help given to a person or plan, especially money.

   Like a wall that holds up a heavy shelf so it doesn't fall.

   The new park got strong backing from local families.

   Without backing from investors, the small shop had to close.

   Similarsupport, funding, sponsorship, endorsement, approval

   Oppositeopposition

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A layer of material fixed to the back or bottom of something to make it stronger.

   Like the cardboard behind a picture frame that holds the photo in place.

   The rug has a rubber backing so it won't slip.

   She glued a stiff backing onto the photo to keep it flat.

   Similarlining, underlay

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable or uncountable

   The singers and musicians who play behind the main singer.

   Like the players behind a star: they help, but the main singer stands in front.

   The singer thanked her backing after the encore.

   Soft backing of piano and bass followed every line she sang.

   Similaraccompaniment

   Note
4. 4
   adjective

   Singing or playing to help the main performer rather than leading.

   Like a friend who hums along quietly while you sing the main part.

   She sang backing vocals on the whole album.

   The backing singers stood just behind the star.

   Similarsupporting, backup, accompanying

   Oppositelead

   Note
5. 5
   noununcountable

   The act of moving a vehicle or other thing backward.

   Like stepping backward slowly so you don't bump into anything.

   The careful backing of the trailer took several tries.

   A sudden backing of the car startled the cat.

   Similarreversing

6. 6
   nouncountable

   A painted or printed scene used behind performers on a stage or set.

   Like a big picture hung at the back of a stage to show where the story happens.

   The actors performed in front of a painted backing of a forest.

   The crew rolled out a new backing for the next scene.

   Similarbackdrop, backcloth

   Note
7. 7
   noununcountable

   The act of getting up onto a horse or other animal to ride it.

   After weeks of training, the young horse was ready for backing, and a rider climbed onto it for the first time.

   Her first backing of the mare made her nervous.

8. 8
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of back. Use this -ing form for the action happening now or as the name of the action.

   Local businesses are backing the youth soccer team this year.

   She is backing slowly out of the narrow driveway.

   Note

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