backstory

noun

back·​story ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē 

: 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

The backstory Wynn Las Vegas opened in 2005 on the site of the old Desert Inn, with Encore following in 2008; the big move was pulling spectacle inside instead of giving it away free at the curb. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026

While our new girl bias isn’t as strong as Victoria’s, having those two decades of backstory on her does give a leg up in terms of whose plight is easier to invest in. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Scotty’s Castle, which still stands within Death Valley National Park, has a fascinating backstory involving a shady character called Death Valley Scotty and rumors of gold in the desert. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

This episode features the frightening Twisty the Clown (played by John Carroll Lynch) and his backstory. — Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backstory

• aurore
• forbore
• outlawry
• pylori
• savoury
• signori
• signory
• vainglory
• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory