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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
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Even better than being on-theme, however, is the unique backstory that comes with the striking dress. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2025 Created by Jean-Baptiste Delafon and directed by Jessica Palud, the six-episode drama not only makes Merteuil its protagonist, but also supplies backstory that recasts her as less a monster than a wounded woman fighting for the same freedom men enjoy. Judy Berman, Time, 28 Nov. 2025 Yeah, there’s a backstory to all of that that is actually never revealed in the show. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025 Erivo's reprisal of the role — originated on Broadway in 2003 by Idina Menzel — showed the nuanced backstory of how Elphaba became one of the most iconic villains of all time. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

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