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
The backdrop of this chilling début novel is the Briarley School for Girls, a regimented institution housed in an imposing English estate.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
That was the backdrop for the Supreme Court’s consideration of Wong Kim Ark’s status.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Their flowers stand out like no others due to the backdrop of their tenebrous leaves.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
The push is unfolding against the backdrop of a monthlong shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security that now has House and Senate Republicans at each other’s throats.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backdrop
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The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
That was the backdrop for the Supreme Court’s consideration of Wong Kim Ark’s status.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Their flowers stand out like no others due to the backdrop of their tenebrous leaves.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
The push is unfolding against the backdrop of a monthlong shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security that now has House and Senate Republicans at each other’s throats.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 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 1 Apr. 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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