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
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Clarence accesses George’s backstory, learning about his childhood and how his selflessness ultimately led to feelings of regret, with an innocent mistake nearly sending him over the edge. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Dec. 2025 As Michelle, Barrera was left nearly as in the dark as the audience about the character’s mysterious backstory, which is never quite revealed amid multiple layers of lies and deceit. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025 Below, during a conversation with THR, Wydra also discusses the morsels of backstory that Zosia reveals about her pre-Joining self, as well as how the character was rewritten to be Polish like her. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 Dec. 2025 But the big thing is Henry’s backstory specifically, and his connection to the Mind Flayer. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backstory

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstory was in 1982

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Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

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