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 The hotel is housed in a 19th-century grand palazzo that was previously a transport company headquarters. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026

As for season 2 of Widow’s Bay, Root is hoping to learn more about Wyck and his complicated relationship with Rhys’ Mayor Loftis, including more of the backstory behind the characters viewers came to love in the first season. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Throughout the set, the band’s fictional members appeared in music videos and on-screen animations that delved into the group’s lore and backstory. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

But Edward, possessed of a tragic backstory and an iron will, isn’t giving up so easily. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 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