WordGarden.iobound
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈaʊnd/
US
- /ˈbaʊnd/
Meanings
Adjective
certain or very likely to happen
heading or ready to travel toward a destination
required or obligated by law, agreement, duty, or promise
More meaningsFewer meanings
tied, fastened, or held together
Noun
a boundary, limit, or upper or lower limiting value
Verb
to move forward with long jumps
to form the boundary or limits of an area
Beyond the definition
To be bound can mean physically tied up—like a package secured with string. But the word goes much deeper! It often describes limitations or obligations; you might feel bound by a promise, meaning you are morally committed to keeping it. It also points toward the future. A character in a story might be bound for adventure, suggesting they are headed toward a specific destination. Think of the phrase "bound to happen"—it means something is certain or inevitable. Even a book is bound, its pages held together to keep them in one piece. The word carries a sense of connection, restriction, and destiny all at once.
The word "bound" is surprisingly versatile, carrying multiple meanings that often intertwine. At its most literal, bound is the past participle of "bind," describing something physically tied or restrained—think of a journal bound in leather or a gift bound with ribbon.
However, "bound" frequently moves beyond the physical realm to describe legal or moral limitations. We say someone is "bound by duty" when they feel compelled to act by their responsibilities, or "bound by law" to tell the truth. In this sense, it defines the limits of our freedom.
"Bound" also suggests destiny or inevitability. If something is "bound to happen," it means it is almost certain, such as "Rain was bound to fall eventually." This sense of fate often appears in storytelling: a hero may be "bound for glory," implying their path is predetermined. Relatedly, it describes direction or destination; a ship "bound for New York" is one specifically traveling toward that port.
Finally, "bound" exists as a distinct verb meaning to leap or spring forward with energy. You might see a happy dog bound across a field or a deer bounding through the forest. Whether it is a physical restraint, a moral obligation, an inevitable outcome, or a joyful leap, "bound" speaks to the connections, limits, and movements that shape our lives.
Examples
- 1
Tied bundle
The bundle of letters was bound with a blue ribbon.
- 2
Bookbinding
The old diary was bound in red leather.
- 3
Legal obligation
Once you sign the contract, you're bound by its terms.
- Patternbound by + rule/terms
required to obey
- 4
Shared memories
Even after years apart, they still felt bound together by shared memories.
- Patternbound together by + shared experience
closely connected because of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Travel destination
We're bound for Chicago on the early train.
- Patternbound for + place
going to that place
- 6
Certain outcome
She's bound to notice that something has changed.
- Patternbound to + verb
certain or very likely to happen
- 7
Returning home
By Sunday night, most of the students were homeward bound.
- Phrasehomeward bound
going home
- 8
Strong emotion
His excitement knew no bounds when he heard the news.
- Phraseknow no bounds
seem to have no limit
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- bound for
Used with (collocations)
- bound to happen
- bound to fail
- bound to be
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- boundnounverbadjective
Forms
- boundspluralnounverbadjective
- boundedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- bounding-ing formverbnounadjective