backstory

noun

back·​story ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē 

: a story that tells what led up to the main story or plot (as of a film)

Examples of backstory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The backstory Part of the Natural Selection safari collection, this camp in the Sesfontein Conservancy follows in the footsteps of its nearby sister property Hoanib Valley Camp–albeit in a more upscale style. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Cole is a former cop who feels guilty about his father’s death, a backstory as lackluster as the exposition dumps that blurt it out. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Deal has an uplifting backstory for the screenwriter Burgess, about handling adversity and writing yourself out of a jam. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

The backstory Filmmaker Iwerks knows all about being behind the scenes. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backstory

• aurore
• forbore
• outlawry
• pylori
• savoury
• signori
• signory
• vainglory
• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory