foreground

noun fore·ground \ ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of foreground

1 : the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator

Objects in the foreground seem larger than those in the background.

2 : a position of prominence : forefront

We want this issue to be in the foreground.

3 : a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task — compare background

See foreground defined for English-language learners

See foreground defined for kids

Examples of foreground in a Sentence

We want the issue to be in the foreground.

Recent Examples of foreground from the Web

In the foreground, a windmill stands tall against a bright sky.

— liesl bradner, latimes.com, "'The Big Cloud,' one photographer's obsession with the drama in our skies," 11 Apr. 2018
In much the same way that an object in the foreground of a photo appears bigger than something in the background, there is a widening effect.

— veronique greenwood, The Atlantic, "You Don't Look Like Your Selfie," 27 Mar. 2018
The Bellevue skyline, photographed from the Columbia Tower in Seattle earlier this month, is nestled between the Cascade mountains in the background and Lake Washington in the foreground.

— ellen m. banner, The Seattle Times, "Photo captures Bellevue in blue," 27 Mar. 2018
In contrast, Nike's photo has no grassy knoll in the foreground.

— maxine bernstein, OregonLive.com, "Nike defeats appeal over iconic Michael Jordan photo, "Jumpman" logo," 1 Mar. 2018
Then observers noticed tapestry in the background and a curtain in the foreground.

— julie gallant, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Sarah Willat connects young and old to art," 28 Mar. 2018
But the handful of places where the probe and its related controversies are already in the foreground offer some clues.

— alex seitz-wald, NBC News, "Russia probe descends on Nunes’ reelection, threatens to upend midterms," 26 Mar. 2018
Wednesday’s doodle showed the logo for the site spelled out in the bright red and blue stars Haro researched with his face in the background of it all and a telescope in the foreground.

— nina godlewski, Newsweek, "Guillermo Haro Google Doodle: Facts About the Astronomer," 21 Mar. 2018
The large book on the table in the foreground so invitingly opened to an image of a distinguished-looking, mustachioed gentleman contains a photograph of the legendary filmmaker, not his mirror reflection.

— mary carole mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Lewis museum photo exhibit 'Reflections' looks into lives of prominent black Americans," 17 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'foreground.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of foreground

1695

foreground

verb

Definition of foreground

transitive verb

: to bring to the foreground; especially : to give prominence or emphasis to

See foreground defined for English-language learners

Examples of foreground in a Sentence

Public discussion has foregrounded the issue of health care.
repeatedly foregrounded his experience in international affairs in the course of his campaign for the presidency