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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There are some instances where the backstory of what happened to Krypton is shown, including a multitude of Kryptonians surviving the destruction of their home planet. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 Top 5 Can’t Miss Stay at Hotel Emma, a property that blends historic charm with modern luxury, top-tier hospitality, and a colorful backstory. Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2025 In the backstory Chrome Dome tells the turtles, the writing is a combination of several franchises. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025 The once-homeless orphan's backstory will be fleshed out in Season 2. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 2025.

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