backstory

noun

back·​story ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē How to pronounce backstory (audio)
: a story that tells what led up to the main story or plot (as of a film)

Examples of backstory in a Sentence

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.
The backstory The hotel was built in 1939, during the peak of Miami’s Art Deco era. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026 So, there was a bit of Alexander Technique, there was a bit of backstory to ground all of that, but that’s kind of what went into the transformation. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 But, being the second spin-off from a show in the fourth phase in Marvel’s increasingly complex universe of characters (many of whom were vanquished at the end of phase three), there’s a hefty backstory to contend with. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The art and decorative objects across the home also have their own backstory. — Nuriyah Johar, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backstory

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstory was in 1982

Rhymes for backstory

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Browse Nearby Words

backstop
backstory
back straddle vault
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Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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