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 history is so storied that the hotel has its own museum within the main building. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

The historic canvas, on loan from London’s National Gallery, has a fascinating backstory and represents a key moment in French political history, making its arrival shortly after this country’s stunning midterm election particularly auspicious. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Of the online personalities loosely associated with Rogan’s milieu, Bet-David’s backstory is the most colorful. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026

On this week’s podcast, Cohen shares the backstory behind his decision to bring Ali G back, before getting into the extreme prep that’s made his films possible. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Nov. 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