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.

Anti-gang units, officials say, form the backbone of the department’s crime fighting efforts in neighborhoods plagued by gang violence.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

The corridor's backbone is the historic Benguela railway, which runs west to east from Lobito to the Congolese border.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Women, in particular, formed the backbone of the party's welfare-driven politics.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

The headlines focus on apps, but the big money is flowing to agentic AI’s boring industrial backbone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Arliss was screaming his head off, and here came the big dog with his wet fur rising along the ridge of his backbone, baying me like I was a panther.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson