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 The 3,500-acre resort was founded by Donald and Nancy Panoz, who traveled the world while serving in the military before founding a pharmaceutical company that led them to Georgia. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026

That is, rafts of interior backstory and description that don’t obviously serve the plot. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

As is the case with all of OTC’s previous music, part of the charm is its swirling ambiguity, but this time there’s additional poignance in the backstory. — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026

The designer is also partial to rings, and can usually be seen sporting a beaded necklace with a personal backstory. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 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