backdrop

noun

back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp How to pronounce backdrop (audio)
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
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.
Political Reactions The August searches unfolded against a backdrop of partisan tension over the handling of classified records by senior officials. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 The village is next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the backdrop to Jinu’s bad boy character-building flashbacks. Ali Wunderman, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 The décor was handled by Royal Luxury Events and provided the perfect backdrop for Stunna’s blush pink suit by Well Groomed Man and Monaleo’s wedding and reception dress by Oluwagbemisola Okunlola of Alonuko Bridal. Nathan Vinson, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 Covering the spectrum from White Snow to the blue-black of Inkwell, these neutrals serve as a solid backdrop, though their subtle shifts in undertone invite closer inspection. Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backdrop

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backdrop was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Backdrop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backdrop. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

backdrop

noun
back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp How to pronounce backdrop (audio)
1
: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage
2

More from Merriam-Webster on backdrop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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