backdrop
noun
back·drop
ˈbak-ˌdräp 
1
: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage
2
backdrop
transitive verb
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
While such ceremonies typically commence in courthouses, the fair’s International Bazaar offers a uniquely Minnesotan backdrop—and one that particularly resonates in today’s fraught immigration climate.
—
Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
In Roanoke, the mountains provide an enchanting backdrop for a mid-sized city—small enough to get around on foot or by bike, but large enough to have a variety of fun things to do.
—Julekha Dash, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
With the backdrop of the Queen Mary, city leaders hope Saturday's opening is just the first step in its aspirations to become an entertainment hub.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Paris dazzled audiences in 2024 with iconic backdrops and historic landmarks.
—Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backdrop
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.
Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
In Roanoke, the mountains provide an enchanting backdrop for a mid-sized city—small enough to get around on foot or by bike, but large enough to have a variety of fun things to do.
—Julekha Dash, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
With the backdrop of the Queen Mary, city leaders hope Saturday's opening is just the first step in its aspirations to become an entertainment hub.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Paris dazzled audiences in 2024 with iconic backdrops and historic landmarks.
—Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backdrop
Cite this Entry
“Backdrop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backdrop. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backdrop
noun
back·drop
ˈbak-ˌdräp
1
: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
