foreground

1 of 2

noun

fore·​ground ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd How to pronounce foreground (audio)
1
: the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator
Objects in the foreground seem larger than those in the background.
2
: a position of prominence : forefront
We want this issue to be in the foreground.
3
: a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task compare background

foreground

2 of 2

verb

foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds

transitive verb

: to bring to the foreground
especially : to give prominence or emphasis to

Examples of foreground in a Sentence

Noun We want the issue to be in the foreground. Verb Public discussion has foregrounded the issue of health care. repeatedly foregrounded his experience in international affairs in the course of his campaign for the presidency
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.
Noun
By putting the intention for learning in the foreground, the learning outcomes and work outcomes will be better. Dr. Lisa Toppin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 While many of the characters are in both the film and the series, most are in the background in the movie but come into the foreground in the series, which goes deeper into their stories, Boss adds. Ed Meza, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024
Verb
By contrast, animation foregrounds the pictorial, which is its own aesthetic doctrine. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 Sign up The adaptation foregrounds two female characters, Irene and Fleur, whose fortunes are linked by one terrible incident, said Sarah Hemming in the Financial Times. The Week, theweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foreground 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreground was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near foreground

Cite this Entry

“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

foreground

noun
fore·​ground
ˈfō(ə)r-ˌgrau̇nd,
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer

More from Merriam-Webster on foreground

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!