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
The backstory: Trump is handcuffed by political reality and his own statements.
—
Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
Some needed backstory: Bhad Bhabie and Barker first started beefing in December after Bhabie accused Barker of trying to steal her then-boyfriend and the father of her child, Le Vaughn.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2025
Generally portrayed by actors in the comics such as Basil Karlo, Matt Hagen, and Preston Payne, the villain has a troubled backstory.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
We’re told there is an ugly backstory here, reminiscent of the kinds of things Abbasi’s screen subject Trump has been accused of.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Feb. 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.
Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
Some needed backstory: Bhad Bhabie and Barker first started beefing in December after Bhabie accused Barker of trying to steal her then-boyfriend and the father of her child, Le Vaughn.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2025
Generally portrayed by actors in the comics such as Basil Karlo, Matt Hagen, and Preston Payne, the villain has a troubled backstory.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
We’re told there is an ugly backstory here, reminiscent of the kinds of things Abbasi’s screen subject Trump has been accused of.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstory
Cite this Entry
“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share