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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Elle Fanning stars as Effie Trinket, originally played by Elizabeth Banks; the forthcoming fifth film also provides the backstory to Effie and Haymitch’s relationship in the trilogy. Mya Copeland, Variety, 4 July 2026 The backstory Hotel Swexan is the first hotel for the Harwood Hospitality group and is an obvious collaboration between the sophistication of a European hotel and the classic charms of Texas. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026 The actress shared her backstory in a recent Capital Buzz interview with her Enola Holmes 3 costar Louis Partridge. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 The Right Stuff' (1983) More than three wondrous hours detailing the backstory – in epic Hollywood fashion, naturally – of Americans' first trip to space. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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