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 geopolitical backdrop makes this Independence Day a standout, too. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

The backdrop for protests, vigils, celebrations and stunning sunrise photos. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

Set against the backdrop of rural France, the drama follows a young boy desperate to impress his tough farmer father, who has to rethink his life after being forced to wear an iron corset when he is struck by a spinal condition. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 June 2026

The oil backdrop made last week’s earnings from FedEx and FedEx Freight particularly important because both companies spend a lot of money on fuel and had implemented surcharges to cover the recent spike. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 27 June 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