backstory

noun

back·​story ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē How to pronounce backstory (audio)
: a story that tells what led up to the main story or plot (as of a film)

Examples of backstory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Hallie Biden, widow of the president's late son, Beau, plays a key role in the backstory to Hunter Biden's trial on federal gun charges that begins this week. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 3 June 2024 With not a scrap of backstory required, this immensely satisfying vignette earns the film an early round of cheers. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 May 2024 Presumably, the character will reveal more layers and maybe a backstory in Chapter Two. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 May 2024 History rendered its judgement a long time ago on Coppola’s war movie, and its rapturous reception at the fest has become a key part of its backstory. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for backstory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backstory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstory was in 1982

Dictionary Entries Near backstory

Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.

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