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

Monster mother-in-law Andrew's adoring, uptight mother, Evelyn (Elizabeth Perkins), has a more prominent role in the film than in the book, further antagonizing Nina while also providing a deeper backstory for Andrew. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Brourman shares in her own words the backstory behind five of the most compelling portraits in her Aftermath series, including an exclusive reveal of The Military Ball (The First 100 Days). —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025

Explaining your character’s entire backstory in the first chapter is the snooze button of fiction. —Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025

We are treated to an honestly boring backstory about one of Sylvie’s ex-friends so that Emily can reflect on the value of her friendship with Mindy. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025

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