backbone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Those dense, umami-packed centers become the backbone of the dressing.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

“We tend to undervalue and I would say underinvest in those unsexy but important capabilities like the oilers, like the auxiliaries, like the tenders. It’s the quiet backbone of American naval power.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

They are often dismissed as a punch line, but Roxane Gay explains why women’s book clubs are the backbone of a passionate literary culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

They added: "Teachers and support staff are the backbone of our education system."

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

It is a knob in the backbone of central Africa.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston