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
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As a result, the writers, led by series creator and showrunner Alexi Hawley, had to condense the story, trimming some arcs and backstory. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025 For the second week in a row, Severance largely puts its various ongoing plots on hold in favor of providing more worldbuilding and backstory. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025 The collaboration has a friendly backstory — Becker is married to the son of Martin’s parents’ best friends. Booth Moore, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025 Akio — a prickly, ambitious kid with a short backstory that includes being abandoned by his mother — dreams of shooting up through the rankings to fame and glory. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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