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.
Creepy new wrong 'uns, the Vezda — given a spectacular introduction a few weeks ago — are subsequently set up as the backstory for every myth about evil in the Alpha Quadrant. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The idea of this man who’s living in in complete isolation surfaced for us pretty quickly, and then the details of his environment, his backstory and what his life was like started to foggily come into focus for us. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025 Neighbors started calling the broker, Thomas Horodecki, to get the backstory. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 10 Sep. 2025 Vile Vignettes SeaWorld’s Vile Vignettes are staged scenes with a central character and a haunted backstory that are a cross between a scare zone and a mini show. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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