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
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.
Was any of that backstory shared with you as part of the character’s mythology? Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025 In the webtoon, Si-eun’s traumatic backstory is told through a series of flashbacks. Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025 The hero’s first appearance under DC’s banner was in Action Comics No. 1, which detailed his backstory, secret identity as newspaper reporter Clark Kent, and powers of super strength and speed (his first time flying came in 1943 in Action Comics No. 65). Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025 Elsbeth featured not one but two bloody crime scenes during this week’s episode, which started off by unveiling Judge Milton Crawford’s disturbing backstory. Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 24 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on backstory

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!