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

The data points for July will also help set the economic backdrop ahead of the Fed’s annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium at the end of August, where traders will search for hints on the trajectory of rates. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Updated over the years, the Four Oaks mansion that served as the backdrop for Child’s television series looks quite different today. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2026

Club environments provide the perfect backdrop for all of it, then and now. — Lina Lecaro, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

The jury was particularly moved by the film’s portrayal of a love story between two elderly characters – a rare theme in cinema – set against the vibrant backdrop of Maputo. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 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