backgrounder

noun

back·​ground·​er ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇n-dər How to pronounce backgrounder (audio)
1
: an off-the-record briefing for reporters
2
: something (such as an essay) that provides background information about a particular subject
She believes birds are the best model for understanding human language. But before making her argument, she offers a highly informative backgrounder on bird song.K. C. Cole

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For more thoughts on this subject, see this backgrounder by T. Rowe Price. Tom Herman, WSJ, 17 Oct. 2021 In some countries, LGBTQ+ people face danger and imprisonment according to The Council on Foreign Relation's backgrounder. Devon Link, USA TODAY, 9 June 2021 Intelligence analysts provide backgrounders on potential threats. Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2020 Getty Images/Science Source Before diving into the current outbreak more deeply, let’s pause for a quick backgrounder on Ebola. Julia Belluz, Vox, 11 May 2018 These five nights serve mostly as backgrounders—offering information to viewers that will make their experience following the royal wedding more fun. Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 7 May 2018 The backgrounder provided small insights on numerous rides, including the Mustang GT500, the Explorer ST, and the Mach 1, yet the outline of the Bronco might have stolen the event. Tony Markovich, Car and Driver, 15 Mar. 2018 Bosker delivers a delightful and thoroughly reported backgrounder in this droll memoir chronicling her winding path to becoming a sommelier. Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2017 Their in-depth reports serve as excellent backgrounders: The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has been tweeting extensively, including Sheriff Ed Gonzalez himself. Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backgrounder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backgrounder was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near backgrounder

Cite this Entry

“Backgrounder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backgrounder. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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