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.

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

From BBC

Trucking is the backbone of the U.S. supply chain, responsible for hauling more than 70% of domestic goods, or more than 10 billion tons annually, according to the American Trucking Associations External link.

From Barron's

Untangling the government’s stake is the critical issue for private shareholders in Fannie and Freddie, which buy mortgages from lenders and form the backbone of the U.S. housing market.

From Barron's

The escalation came after Israel struck the backbone of Iran’s energy industry-the giant South Pars gas field that Iran shares with Qatar.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Iran’s gas is largely consumed domestically, South Pars is the backbone of the country’s energy system and part of a reservoir shared with Qatar, raising concerns about broader risks to Gulf energy infrastructure.

From Barron's