# binding

/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈaɪndɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/binding
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 2. book cover

noun · CEFR B2

the outside part of a book that holds the pages together.

For teachers: the cover and spine of a book, including the materials used to fasten the pages together.

- The old book had a beautiful leather binding with gold letters.
- The library's rare manuscript collection requires climate-controlled storage because the original vellum bindings are extremely sensitive to humidity.

### 3. chemical connection

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the way that two or more molecules or substances stick together.

For teachers: the process or result of molecules or atoms forming a chemical bond or attraction.

- The medicine works by preventing the virus from binding to healthy cells.
- Researchers are investigating the binding affinity of the new compound to ensure it targets the specific protein without affecting surrounding tissue.

### 4. programming link

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a connection between a name and a specific piece of data or a function in a computer program.

For teachers: the association of an identifier with a value, or the mapping of one programming language's API to another.

- The developer created a Python binding for the original C++ library.
- Late binding allows the program to decide which method to call at runtime rather than during the initial compilation phase.

### 5. clothing edge

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a strip of fabric used to cover and finish the raw edges of a piece of clothing.

For teachers: a narrow strip of fabric used as a finish for a seam or hem to prevent fraying.

- She chose a bright red binding for the edges of the handmade quilt.
- The tailor applied a bias binding to the armholes of the silk waistcoat to provide a clean, professional finish without adding bulk.

## Examples

- The old book has a beautiful leather binding.
- The library sent several damaged textbooks to a specialist to have their binding repaired before the new semester.
- While digital formats are convenient, many collectors still value the tactile experience of a high-quality cloth binding and the durability it provides over decades of use.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.