background music

noun

: music to accompany the dialogue or action of a motion picture or radio or television drama

Examples of background music 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.
That last one is named after the annual Scandinavian celebration that occurs on the summer solstice and comes with background music and a pale, pastel look with shades of pink, blue, and purple. Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024 Other versions of this video show people, clothing and background music consistent with that location as well. Gabrielle Settles, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2023 In the Eighties, Japanese brands commissioned talented contemporary composers to make background music for stores and offices. Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Khruangbin—composed of guitarist Mark Speer, bassist Laura Lee and Johnson—has become the soundtrack to your favorite coffee shop, that cool new bar or your hippest coworker's background music. Abigail Rosenthal, Chron, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for background music 

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of background music was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near background music

Cite this Entry

“Background music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/background%20music. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

background music

noun
: music played to go along with and add to the story or mood of a movie or radio or television show

More from Merriam-Webster on background music

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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