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.

The road "is basically the backbone of Russian occupation in the south", Clément Molin, an analyst at the French-based think tank Atum Mundi, told the BBC.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

There’s doubt massive tankers, once the backbone of global crude flows, will be returning in quite the same numbers to the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

My supermarket frequently runs 10-for-$10 deals on canned goods, which is essentially my signal to replenish the pantry backbone: black beans, chickpeas, navy beans, diced tomatoes.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

“Public hospitals are the backbone of our healthcare system,” Ahrens said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Of course this presumed that Rosy had hit it right in wanting the bases in the center and the backbone outside.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson