foreground

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noun fore·ground \ ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd \

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

The layer of algae and floating water primrose in the foreground is tracked with the thin, criss-crossing trails of alligators.

— ben raines | braines@al.com, AL.com, "Stranded in the Delta with nothing but time and a camera," 30 Aug. 2017
This perspective suggests to the viewer that the muted mountains are farther away than those in the foreground.

— marina koren, The Atlantic, "What Would the Solar Eclipse Look Like From the Moon?," 19 Aug. 2017
The former Sox are lined up in the foreground: Ryan, Landis, Fischer, Morehead.

— luke o'neil, Esquire, "Watching a Guy Take a Heater to the Crotch is America's True National Pastime," 17 Aug. 2017
Sara Nagler, 13, in the foreground, meditates during a Hollywood Beach sunset yoga and meditation class.

— caitlin granfield, miamiherald, "Is your child dreading the school-year stress? Have them do yoga," 31 July 2017
With Chester crouched low and howling in the foreground, Linkin Park articulated feelings that 13-year-olds never knew existed and that 18-year-olds wanted nothing more than to extricate themselves from.

— jillian selzer, Cosmopolitan, "Fans, Music Critics Share Heart-Wrenching Tributes to Chester Bennington," 24 July 2017
This particular picture shows Gwen in the foreground, looking as glamorous as ever while, in the background, Blake and her youngest son, Apollo, seem to be having some type of dental exam.

— ajc homepage, ajc, "Blake Shelton showing a patience for parenting with Gwen Stefani’s boys," 10 July 2017
In this image the people in the foreground represent the independent-minded artists, creatives and free-thinkers for which California is so well known.

— graeme mcmillan, The Hollywood Reporter, "Famed Punk Artist Winston Smith Unveils 'Calexit' Comic-Con Cover (Exclusive)," 30 June 2017
Surely your smiling face in the foreground and a bridge and a beautiful cloud line or sunset in the background will make for a great memory and picture to share.

— elizabeth kramer, The Courier-Journal, "5 places to take a selfie at Forecastle Festival 2017," 29 June 2017

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