backstory
noun
back·story
ˈbak-ˌstȯr-ē 
: 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
There's a deeper backstory that's going to open up, and hopefully—nothing's a guarantee—there's a lot more story to be told.
—
H. Alan Scott, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
But Nicholson's Elon Musk-like character, unfortunately, falls into broad and boring stereotypes as her backstory is illuminated.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
Like so many great stories, Michelle Satter’s Sundance backstory started with a phone call and ended with the boldest of propositions.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Give us lots of different character creation options, each with his or her own unique backstory.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for backstory 
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.
H. Alan Scott, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
But Nicholson's Elon Musk-like character, unfortunately, falls into broad and boring stereotypes as her backstory is illuminated.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
Like so many great stories, Michelle Satter’s Sundance backstory started with a phone call and ended with the boldest of propositions.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Give us lots of different character creation options, each with his or her own unique backstory.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for backstory
Dictionary Entries Near backstory
Cite this Entry
“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share