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.

Cottray, the Martinez’s general manager, with his crisp blue jacket and yellow patterned tie, could have stepped out of “The White Lotus,” where the GMs are often the backbone of the story line.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

What it will do is add a savory backbone that makes the entire skillet taste like you spent much longer cooking than you actually did.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

"Pollution is killing livestock farming and grape harvests, once the backbone of the local economy," he said.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

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

By the time they had tightened, pinned, and locked me into my clothes, I could feel my stomach rubbing against my backbone.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson