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
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The backstory Long before luxury boutiques and embassies claimed Knightsbridge, the area was a pastoral patchwork of open fields and marshy lowlands.
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
His political ambitions were forged by tragedy that added grit to his tabloid backstory.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
Kim’s path to his profession and his willingness to launch his own firm come from a rich backstory of inspiration, education and experience that shaped his work as a personal injury lawyer.
—K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Scott, in particular, holds a spot in Erving’s backstory.
—Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 8 June 2026
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
His political ambitions were forged by tragedy that added grit to his tabloid backstory.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
Kim’s path to his profession and his willingness to launch his own firm come from a rich backstory of inspiration, education and experience that shaped his work as a personal injury lawyer.
—K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Scott, in particular, holds a spot in Erving’s backstory.
—Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backstory
Cite this Entry
“Backstory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstory. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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