behind the scenes
1 of 2phrase
1
: out of public view
also
: in secret
2
: in a position to see the hidden workings
… taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government … has operated …—
William Clark
William Clark
be·hind-the-scenes
bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz 
bē-
1
: being or working out of public view or in secret
behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money
a behind-the-scenes player
2
: revealing or reporting the hidden workings
a behind-the-scenes account
a behind-the-scenes glimpse
Examples of behind the scenes in a Sentence
Adjective
a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination
behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Before celebrity makeup artist Nina Park accentuated Stone’s features with a gorgeous glam look for Sunday night, Stone showed off her makeup-free complexion and her natural waves in behind-the-scenes photos taken just before her red carpet entrance.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Deadline was in the room and on the red carpet for a behind-the-scenes look.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 11 Jan. 2026
Each room will be accompanied by his audio narration, along with behind-the-scenes videos, original sketches and photographs.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
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.
Adjective
From Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez's Disney Channel link-up to Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner's PDA to Steven Spielberg playing photographer and Jennifer Lawrence being Jennifer Lawrence, see some of the best behind-the-scenes moments from the Golden Globes.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Before celebrity makeup artist Nina Park accentuated Stone’s features with a gorgeous glam look for Sunday night, Stone showed off her makeup-free complexion and her natural waves in behind-the-scenes photos taken just before her red carpet entrance.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Deadline was in the room and on the red carpet for a behind-the-scenes look.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 11 Jan. 2026
Each room will be accompanied by his audio narration, along with behind-the-scenes videos, original sketches and photographs.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
Cite this Entry
“Behind the scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behind%20the%20scenes. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
