backstory

noun

back·​story ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē How to pronounce backstory (audio)
: 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
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.
The backstory For anyone that has bemoaned the flattening of cultures everywhere, Fogo Island offers a beacon of hope. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026 At that time, THR reported that Weapons originally featured some of Gladys' backstory in an early version of the script that was cut to keep the movie's runtime down. Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 The Curse’s Origins Episode 4 delivers the crucial backstory. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026 My story examines the high stakes involved with the upcoming Artemis II launch, and outlines the dramatic backstory that got a 322-foot-tall moon rocket back out to the launchpad. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backstory

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstory was in 1982

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on backstory

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster