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 This week’s video, however, was professionally produced, with lighting, filters, background music, and creative editing. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2024 The iOS version has more audio tools, including AI background music, voiceover, and Censor, which silences cuss words. PCMAG, 14 Aug. 2024 Gymnasts asked background music to be played during the event finals this week, said Landi, who also served as the U.S. head coach during the Olympics, but their request was not met. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2024 More recently, Trump’s 2016 campaign ads included setting Hillary Clinton’s laugh to ominous background music. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for background music 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'background music.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 22 Sep. 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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