backdrop

noun

back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp 

1

: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage

2

: background

backdrop transitive verb

Synonyms of backdrop

• background

Examples of backdrop in a Sentence

The mountains provided a perfect backdrop for the wedding photos.

The novel unfolds against a backdrop of war.

The city provides the backdrop for the love story.

Recent Examples on the Web

Against a backdrop of deep political division and with the control of Congress at stake, voters across the country are heading to the polls today to cast their ballots for the 2026 midterm elections. — Meredith Nierman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Go Ice-Skating Don’t miss your chance to glide, stumble, and laugh with the skyline as your backdrop. — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026

His constant and often losing battle to stay healthy, against a backdrop of a difficult contract and salary cap situation in 2027, could force a divorce between the Ravens and Jackson next offseason. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Set against the backdrop of Mississippi-set, coming-of-age tale Miss Christian Babe explores the experience of growing up Muslim in the American South, navigating questions of identity, faith, community and belonging. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for backdrop

• atop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop
• laptop

Kids Definition

backdrop

noun

back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp 

1

: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage

2

: background sense 1, 3a