What does bonded mean?
Bonded is an adjective describing things that are firmly joined together — whether by physical adhesive, emotional connection, or formal agreement. In everyday language it most often describes people who have grown close through shared experience: teammates, soldiers, or friends who are said to be bonded by what they have been through together. In manufacturing, bonded refers to materials fused or glued into one piece, such as bonded leather or bonded seams. It also has a specific commercial sense: bonded goods are those kept in customs-supervised warehouses until import duties are settled. Derived from the noun 'bond', which itself comes from Old English roots meaning something that ties or binds, the word connotes durability and mutual reliance. Whether describing a friendship forged in adversity or a laminate engineered for strength, bonded signals a connection intended to last.
Joined securely by a physical, emotional, or contractual bond.
"The survivors remained bonded long after the rescue."
Frequently used with the preposition 'by' to indicate what unites the subjects.
(Of goods) held in a customs warehouse until duties are paid.
"The shipment of whisky was stored in a bonded warehouse."
The word 'bond' once meant the very chains that bound serfs to their lords — so 'bonded' carries centuries of history in its glue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bonded
Bonded derives from the noun bond, which comes from Old English 'bindan', meaning to tie or bind, via Middle English. Related forms appear throughout Germanic languages, reflecting the ancient concept of fastening or securing. The adjective form developed later, first describing physical joining and later extending metaphorically to emotional and commercial contexts.
Related word forms
How bonded is actually used
Commonly used both literally (materials, manufacturing) and figuratively (relationships). The figurative sense often appears with the preposition 'by', e.g. 'bonded by hardship'. In British English, the phrase 'bonded labour' refers to debt bondage, a serious human-rights concern.
Easily confused with bonded
'Bound' means tied, obligated, or certain/destined to do something, whereas 'bonded' emphasizes being joined by a physical adhesive, emotional connection, or customs arrangement.