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

Wells’ family has continued to press for transparency and answers throughout the investigation, amid speculation fueled against the backdrop of Mississippi’s fraught history of racial violence. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Fishermen catch fish against a backdrop of windmills in Thoothukudi in India's Tamil Nadu state on September 9, 2026. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

In the backdrop, there are also wider questions around Saudi Arabia’s larger commitment to the film industry, with the country’s entertainment focus shifting to the video game sector and sports such as boxing and soccer. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

The election took place against the backdrop of incessant Ukrainian drone attacks. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 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