backing

From back + -ing.

• IPA^(key): /ˈbæk.ɪŋ(ɡ)/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ækɪŋ

backing (countable and uncountable, plural backings)

1. Support, especially financial.

   It's a volunteer organization that works with backing from the city and a few grants.

2. A liner or other material added behind or underneath.

   The cardboard backing gives the notebook a little extra stiffness.

   • 1957 August, “Notes and News: Tithebarn Street Station, Liverpool”, in Railway Magazine, page 589:

     An old print was discovered some time ago in an arch at Waterloo Dock Goods Station[,] Liverpool, in use as a backing on which to write time sheets.

   • 1959 October, Norman Jones, “The Manchester Ship Canal Railway”, in Trains Illustrated, page 495:

     In general, the locomotives are painted dark green; the numberplates are brass, with a red backing, and are usually carried on the tank side.

3. (television, film) A backdrop.
   • 2013, Gerald Millerson, TV Scenic Design, page 134:

     The simplest and cheapest answer is to introduce a scenic backing of some kind, a backdrop, a drape, some flats to restrict the shot and obscure whatever is outside.

4. (music) Musicians and vocalists who support the main performer.
5. The mounting of a horse or other animal.
6. The action of putting something back; a switching into reverse.

backing (not comparable)

1. (music) Providing support for the main performer.

backing

1. present participle and gerund of back

• king cab