easy
The backbone protects part of the body.
What does Backbone mean?
Backbone means the spine, courage, or main support.
Dictionary definition
The row of bones along the back; backbone can also mean strength, courage, or the main support of something.
Example sentences
Backbone in a sentence
medium
It took backbone to speak up for what was right.
hard
Reliable volunteers were the backbone of the community event.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice backbone in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Backbone
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What can backbone mean?
Backbone can mean the bones along the back, courage, or the main support of something.
Practice 2
Which word is closest to backbone when talking about the body?
Spine is another word for the backbone in the body.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses backbone correctly?
This sentence uses backbone to mean courage or strength.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Backbone
Voice settings
Sounds like
bak · bohn · strongest beat: bak
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordBackbone.
Partnoun.
MeaningBackbone means the spine, courage, or main support.
ExampleExample: The backbone protects part of the body.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- bak · bohn
- Strongest beat
- bak
- Ending
- bohn
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on bak.
Your turn
Say Backbone
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced backbone.
Synonyms
Words like Backbone
Antonyms
Opposite words
weaknessUse as a contrast to strength or courage.
support lossUse when something no longer has its main support.
Synonym practice
Want to practice backbone synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The model showed the backbone of a fish," then compare close word choices. Practice backbone synonyms.
Word family
Backbone word family
Base word
backbone
noun
backbones
More than one backbone.
adjective
backbone-like
Similar to a backbone or main support.
noun
spine
The row of bones along the back.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Backbone
Hint for students
Backbone means the spine, courage, or main support.
Common mix-up
Backbone does not always mean the bones in your back. In some sentences, it means courage or the main support of a group or plan.
Try it in class or at home
Write two short sentences that use backbone in different ways. Underline the clue words that show which meaning is being used. Example: It took backbone to speak up for what was right. Clue words: took, speak, what. Ask: Which meaning of backbone does my sentence show?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to compare meanings of backbone in this model sentence: "It took backbone to speak up for what was right." Which meaning fits, and what context clues prove it?
Learning activities
Practice Backbone and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice BACKBONE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice BACKBONE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with BACKBONE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice BACKBONE
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes BACKBONE.
Practice BACKBONE
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words