background music

noun

: music to accompany something (such as a public event, a movie, or a television show)
the background music playing during the procession

Examples of background music in a Sentence

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.
Call quality is very good, with crisp voice reproduction even amid noisy background music. Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 There was an open bar with two signature drinks – The Bubbly Rose, which featured blackberry, seltzer and vodka, and a red sangria – hors d'oeuvres and background music from a jazz trio made up of members of the Bluewater Kings Band, who would play the reception. Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026 Music played on the rooftop must be limited to background music or intimate live performances that aren’t loud enough for the noise to travel beyond the hotel’s property. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026 Their songs and calls to each other provided the background music for my easy walk around the East County lake. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for background music

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of background music was in 1928

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Background music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/background%20music. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

background music

noun
: music played to go along with and add to the story or mood of a movie or radio or television show

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