bound
ˈbau̇nd 
; binding
; binding
1
a
: to make secure by tying
His hands were bound with rope.
b
: to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds
… she was not wholly bound in mind by her middle-class existence—
Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz
c
: to put under an obligation
binds himself with an oath
d
: to constrain with legal authority
The court's decision binds them to pay the fine.
2
a
: to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover
A silk sash bound her waist.
b
: bandage
bind their wounds
3
: to fasten round about
when wreaths of laurel bound them
4
: to tie together
binding the wheat into sheaves
5
a
: to cause to stick together
tuna and celery bound by mayonnaise
b
: to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with
cellulose binds water
6
: constipate
Cheese tends to bind him.
7
: to make a firm commitment for
a handshake binds the deal
8
: to protect, strengthen, or decorate by a band or binding
a carpet bound with a gold edging
9
: to apply the parts of the cover to (a book)
10
: to set at work as an apprentice : indenture
He was bound out to a tailor for one year.
11
: to cause to have an emotional attachment
the emotional ties that bind us
12
: to fasten together
a pin bound the ends of the scarf
1
a
: to form a cohesive mass
A little milk will help the ingredients bind.
b
: to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action
antibody binds to a specific antigen
2
: to hamper free movement or natural action
shorts that are guaranteed not to bind
3
: to become hindered from free operation
Rust caused the door to bind in its frame.
4
: to exert a restraining or compelling effect
a promise that binds
1
2
music
: tie sense 3
3
: a position or situation in which one is hampered, constrained, or prevented from free movement or action
got a bind on his opponent
Synonyms
Examples of bind in a Sentence
Verb
She bound her hair in a ponytail.
The machine binds the hay into bales.
He doesn't like to wear clothes that bind.
Noun
It's a real bind having to meet all these deadlines.
with our vacation week fast approaching, and no arrangements for the care of our pets, we were in a serious bind
Recent Examples on the WebYasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024
The person appeared to have their hands bound together.
—Riley Mellen, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bind 
Verb
Chemically, molecules other than just sugar can bind to the tongue’s sweet receptors, signaling to the brain that something sweet has landed.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024
The person appeared to have their hands bound together.
—Riley Mellen, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bind
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near bind
Cite this Entry
“Bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bind. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bind
1 of 2 verb
bound
ˈbau̇nd
; binding
; binding
1
a
: to fasten by tying
b
: to hold or restrict by force or obligation
bound by an oath
2
: bandage entry 2
bind a wound
3
a
: to stick together
b
: to form a mass that sticks together
c
: to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with
4
: to make firm or sure
a deposit binds the sale
5
a
: to finish or decorate with a binding
b
: to fasten together and enclose in a cover
bind
2 of 2 noun
: something that binds
Medical Definition
bind
1 of 2 verb
bound
ˈbau̇nd
; binding
; binding
1
: to wrap up (an injury) with a cloth : bandage
binding up the gash with clean gauze
2
: to take up and hold usually by chemical forces : combine with
cellulose binds water
3
: to make costive : constipate
1
a
: to form a cohesive mass
b
: to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action
antibody binds to a specific antigen
2
: to hamper free movement
bind
2 of 2 noun1
: something that binds
2
: the act of binding : the state of being bound see double bind
Legal Definition
bind
transitive verb
bound
ˈbau̇nd
; binding
; binding
1
a
: to make responsible for an obligation (as under a contract)
agents have the power to bind the insurer—R. I. Mehr
R. I. Mehr
b
: to burden with an obligation
prevented married women from binding their property—J. H. Friedenthal et al.
J. H. Friedenthal et al.2
: to exert control over : constrain by legal authority
this court is bound by precedent
3
: to bring (an insurance policy) into effect by an oral communication or a binder
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