binder

noun

bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a person or machine that binds something (such as books)
2
a
: something used in binding
b
: a usually detachable cover (as for holding sheets of paper)
3
: something (such as tar or cement) that produces or promotes cohesion in loosely assembled substances
4
: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued
5
: something (such as money) given in earnest
also : the agreement arrived at
6
: a tobacco leaf wrapped between the filler and wrapper of a cigar

Examples of binder in a Sentence

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Target and Dollar Tree sold 8-count binder divider tabs rather than 5-count. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025 The binders contained documents that had largely already been in the public domain. Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025 If those hurdles fall, American plants might trade bulky binders for an AI assistant that sees a problem, talks it through and fixes it on the fly. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 After the comment, Brickhouse was accused of knocking off an array of items from her supervisor’s desk, including an iPad, binders and keys. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for binder

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binder was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Binder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binder. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a person or machine that binds something (as books)
2
: a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper
3
: something that holds other substances together
use egg as a binder in meat loaf

Medical Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a broad bandage applied (as about the chest or abdomen) for support
a breast binder
an obstetrical binder
2
: a substance (as glucose or acacia) used in pharmacy to hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet

Legal Definition

binder

noun
bind·​er ˈbīn-dər How to pronounce binder (audio)
1
: a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued
2
: a receipt for money paid to the owner of real estate or to the owner's agent to secure the right to purchase the real estate upon agreed terms
also : the money itself

More from Merriam-Webster on binder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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