foreground

noun fore·ground \ ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Examples: foreground in a Sentence

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

Both will give you a watery reflection in the foreground.

— paul brinkmann, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Nighttime rocket launch planned early Friday, but weather could be a problem," 30 May 2018
The cornering lamps enhance visibility at low and high speeds, as well as when changing lanes or when reversing, and increase the foreground pattern width of the low beams by 60 percent.

— jeff yip, Houston Chronicle, "Toyota’s all-new 2019 Avalon hits dealerships in May," 28 Apr. 2018
Saddled up Police horses Beth (foreground) and Tanner keep a watchful eye on the lots.

— jr radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Six things found in the parking lots at Miller Park on opening day," 2 Apr. 2018
In the above example, the P20 Pro caught a sniff of blue sky and decided to double down on that at the expense of foreground exposure.

— vlad savov, The Verge, "Huawei’s P20 Pro takes even better night pictures than the Pixel 2 XL," 30 Mar. 2018
In the foreground are Amal Clooney, left, and Alexis Ohanian.

— Washington Post, "Oprah to Idris: Celebrities spice up royal wedding," 21 May 2018
Justify, in foreground, fended off a challenge by Kentucky Derby runner-up Good Magic along the final stretch at Pimlico Race Course.

— jim chairusmi, WSJ, "Justify Wins Muddy, Foggy Preakness Stakes," 19 May 2018
Mount Diablo’s Mitchell Canyon in foreground, in shadow and light with high overcast, looking toward the delta.

— tom stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, "Sunday getaway to Mitchell Canyon," 6 May 2018
This dusty abundance also suggests that most of the streaks in the foreground are dust particles rather than water or carbon dioxide ice.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "Comet “Snowstorm” Swirling in This Stunning GIF Is a Tricky Illusion," 30 Apr. 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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foreground

verb

Definition of foreground

foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds

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