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

When Galaxy's Edge first opened, its backstory dictated that it was set betweenThe Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker at the Black Spire Outpost (an original creation of the park) on the planet of Batuu. —Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Yet the first episode drags on a bit, laying a ton of groundwork and backstory before the proper investigation begins. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026

The fireplace tile carries a personal backstory, its pattern echoing the original Laura Ashley fabric from a pair of wingback chairs the family has reupholstered for decades, a subtle nod from Thacker to a memory that still feels at home here. —Gina Mayfield, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026

Regarding his character, who meets Zendaya’s Rue at an NA meeting and becomes her sponsor, Domingo said Season 3 would mine the depths of Ali Muhammed’s backstory. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Jan. 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