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

There are no signs the fighting is abating, and the talks come against a backdrop of new long-range strikes by both Russia and Ukraine. — Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026

Kneeland said the photographs have become popular backdrops for customers taking pictures. — J.m. Banks november 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026

The policy recommendations come forward against the backdrop of two notable statistics revealed by the nonprofit in an August report. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026

Against that backdrop, Persian wisdom offers three ways to read the new ayatollah’s latest gambit. — Khosro Isfahani, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 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