behind the scenes
1 of 2phrase
1
: out of public view
also
: in secret
2
: in a position to see the hidden workings
… taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government … has operated …—
William Clark
William Clark
be·hind-the-scenes
bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz 
bē-
1
: being or working out of public view or in secret
behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money
a behind-the-scenes player
2
: revealing or reporting the hidden workings
a behind-the-scenes account
a behind-the-scenes glimpse
Examples of behind the scenes in a Sentence
Adjective
a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination
behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Wild Wonders typically runs more than 1,000 onsite and offsite educational programs each year, ranging from behind-the-scenes tours of the private wildlife refuge to zoo camps and sunset safaris.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
The behind-the-scenes footage of the series, some of it previously unaired, allows viewers to see Walsh’s full range — erudite professor, taskmaster, West Coast offense wizard and comic cut-up.
—Daniel Brown, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Fred Armisen has been tapped for a new series collaboration between CNN and Universal Music Group, The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively reveal, with the comedian set to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at UMG’s extensive archives.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
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Adjective
Hidden behind closed doors and accessible via discreet elevators, the resort offers a slate of immersive, behind-the-scenes workshops known as the Connoisseur Series.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Wild Wonders typically runs more than 1,000 onsite and offsite educational programs each year, ranging from behind-the-scenes tours of the private wildlife refuge to zoo camps and sunset safaris.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
The behind-the-scenes footage of the series, some of it previously unaired, allows viewers to see Walsh’s full range — erudite professor, taskmaster, West Coast offense wizard and comic cut-up.
—Daniel Brown, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Fred Armisen has been tapped for a new series collaboration between CNN and Universal Music Group, The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively reveal, with the comedian set to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at UMG’s extensive archives.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
Cite this Entry
“Behind the scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behind%20the%20scenes. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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