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
Some linked Sunday's vote to a darker international backdrop and to the presidential race looming next year.
—
Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Every scene plays out as the most generic version of itself — unfolding along preset story beats and against plain desert backdrops rather than growing organically from specific individuals in a specific setting.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
But because the backdrop has changed, there is more pressure on them to finally start at least a good faith negotiation (ph).
—ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Mullin’s nomination to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary has moved forward amid a contentious political backdrop, including a standoff over funding for the department and broader disagreements over immigration enforcement policies.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backdrop
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Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Every scene plays out as the most generic version of itself — unfolding along preset story beats and against plain desert backdrops rather than growing organically from specific individuals in a specific setting.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
But because the backdrop has changed, there is more pressure on them to finally start at least a good faith negotiation (ph).
—ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Mullin’s nomination to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary has moved forward amid a contentious political backdrop, including a standoff over funding for the department and broader disagreements over immigration enforcement policies.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backdrop
noun
back·drop
ˈbak-ˌdräp
1
: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage
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