It just means that the preceeding string or variable will be the lhs of the following m//, s///, or tr/// operator.
No it doesn't.

The string or variable is both in- and (optionally) output of the operation. That puts it in a rather special relationship with regards to the operation, and the language designers chose to name this connection "binding". It's stronger than just input or output.

In reply to Re: Re: Why do we say the =~ operator "binds"? by bart
in thread Why do we say the =~ operator "binds"? by Cody Pendant

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