The meaning of BOUND is fastened by or as if by a band : confined —often used in combination. How to use bound in a sentence.

The company is bound by a special agreement to involve the union in important decisions. The judge who presided over the trial told the panel's members they were not bound to accept that ruling.

1. in bonds or chains; tied with or as if with a rope: a bound prisoner. 2. (in combination) restricted; confined: housebound; fogbound. 3. (postpositive; foll by an infinitive) destined; sure; certain: it's …

If you say that something is bound to happen, you mean that you are sure it will happen, because it is a natural consequence of something that is already known or exists.

Nov 2, 2025 · (mathematics, logic, of a variable) Constrained by a quantifier. (dated) Constipated; costive. Confined or restricted to a certain place. Unable to move in certain conditions.

Over time, 'bound' came to describe something that is tied or linked, and it later extended its meaning to convey the idea of being obligated or constrained by a connection or relationship.

There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun bound, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

verb uk / baʊnd / us bound across/down/into, etc to move quickly with large steps or jumps:

The company is bound by a special agreement to involve the union in important decisions. The judge who presided over the trial told the panel's members they were not bound to accept that ruling.

2 days ago · A new report from CNN says that an alleged drug boat the U.S. military executed lethal strikes against in September was headed to link up with a larger vessel bound for Suriname, Admiral …