foreground

1 of 2

noun

fore·​ground ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd How to pronounce foreground (audio)
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

foreground

2 of 2

verb

foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds

transitive verb

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

Examples of foreground in a Sentence

Noun We want the issue to be in the foreground. Verb 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
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.
Noun
Astrophotographers used a tried and tested technique: framing foreground objects in front of the moon and zooming in on both subjects using a long lens. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025 The real problem is that for all the time spent on the technological back end and the philosophical foundations, Brooker’s lost sight of his foreground. Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
Politicians are rewarded for their public performances more than their policy, the media chases scoops and buzzy headlines and the rest of the internet foregrounds outrageous takes and coarse speech. The Dial, 6 May 2025 Disability has been foregrounded in both the defense of Medicaid and in the efforts to push back on the elimination of the Department of Education. Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for foreground

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreground was in 1695

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Cite this Entry

“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

foreground

noun
fore·​ground
ˈfō(ə)r-ˌgrau̇nd,
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer

More from Merriam-Webster on foreground

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