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

Each character’s personality, backstory, and arc would play out on the ER floor; the cameras would never follow them to their lives outside the hospital. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2025

Although much is still unknown about Kestrel Harris’s backstory in The Madison, set to premiere in late 2025 or early 2026, Vasinova assures viewers the character will capture their attention with a compelling storyline. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025

That somewhat softens the specific satirical bite of the source material, with Karnezis’ detailed mirroring of Onassis’ life story largely excised in the screenplay — along with reams of backstory feeding into the weekend-spanning timeline of the central narrative. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Aug. 2025

On the other hand, much of Jamie Davenport's backstory is similar in both the book and the movie. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 4 Aug. 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