backdrop

noun

back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp 

1

: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage

2

: background

backdrop transitive verb

Synonyms

• background
• ground

Examples of backdrop in a Sentence

The mountains provided a perfect backdrop for the wedding photos.

The novel unfolds against a backdrop of war.

The city provides the backdrop for the love story.

Recent Examples on the Web

Economists, however, are closely monitoring whether consumers can maintain this level of support amid a backdrop of rising uncertainties including President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Against this backdrop, CNBC Pro used its stock screener tool to search for names in the S & P 500 that still have at least 30% potential upside in 2025, based on consensus Wall Street price targets. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

For starters, much of the show is being filmed and reflected on a backdrop screen, something Francis had to get used to not looking at. —Emily Burns, WWD, 23 Dec. 2024

All of this takes place against a stunning visual backdrop that is reminiscent of Villeneuve's two films but also sets the series apart, as befits a prequel. —Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

backdrop

noun

back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp 

1

: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage

2

: background sense 1, 3a