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.
The backstory The hotel was originally built in 1985 in the garden atrium typology by acclaimed architect Kenneth Treister. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026 The plaque, which recognizes sales in Indonesia and has a peculiar backstory, is available through Steve Albini’s Closet, launched after the engineer’s death. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026 The post has amassed more than 500,000 views and 400 comments, with many people asking for the backstory. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 Mulligan delivers lacerating fragility, while Isaac turns Josh’s accommodating nature into a pathology, but both characters are littered with backstory details that Beef leaves hanging. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 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 23 Apr. 2026.

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