backgrounder

noun

back·​ground·​er ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇n-dər 

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

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Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1