backstory
noun
back·story
ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē 
: 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
Quick backstory: Luna plus eight Republicans and House Democrats, are in a standoff with Johnson.
—
Cate Martel, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
The backstory to Punch is that in 2020, during the pandemic, Penford heard Dunne on a BBC Radio Four podcast and decided to track him down.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
The backstory: In 1654, these some 7,500 acres of ancient woodlands and meadows were acquired by the aristocratic Clerk family (who still own it today), who quickly set about establishing it as a hub for the aesthetic and intellectual elite of their time.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025
After Rick explains his backstory to his friend, Frank is reluctant to help him.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstory
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.
Cate Martel, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
The backstory to Punch is that in 2020, during the pandemic, Penford heard Dunne on a BBC Radio Four podcast and decided to track him down.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
The backstory: In 1654, these some 7,500 acres of ancient woodlands and meadows were acquired by the aristocratic Clerk family (who still own it today), who quickly set about establishing it as a hub for the aesthetic and intellectual elite of their time.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025
After Rick explains his backstory to his friend, Frank is reluctant to help him.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstory
Cite this Entry
“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share