backstory

noun

back·​story ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē How to pronounce backstory (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the train station when Kelley is about to depart, Howie explains his backstory to keep Kelley from leaving. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025 The backstory here is that the Frankensteins have reestablished themselves in the Old West, a desirable location for its lack of regulatory oversight and frequent lightning storms. Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025 Rwanda Aside from its beauty, what makes Rwanda’s Akagera National Park special is its backstory. Elizabeth Gordon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 What’s the backstory behind that track? Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backstory

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstory was in 1982

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Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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