origin story

American  

[awr-i-jin stawr-ee, or-i-jin] / ˈɔr ɪ dʒɪn ˌstɔr i, ˈɒr ɪ dʒɪn /

noun

1. a backstory, or established background narrative, that informs the identity and motivations of heroes and villains in a comic book or similar fictional work.

   The superhero’s origin story begins with a tragic accident that left him scarred, but also resulted in his supernatural powers.

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Etymology

Origin of origin story

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

But for De Beers, perhaps its most important function is reputational, allowing retailers to tell the origin story of every diamond they sell.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Last week, a lawyer representing some of the guitar builders issued their own letter responding to Fender’s claims, pointing to the 2009 decision and arguing that Fender’s Stratocaster origin story is invented.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Built by "Hitman" developers IO Interactive, "First Light" offers a new version of Bond's origin story, dropping players into the shoes of a cocky but callow young version of the spy still earning his stripes.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

To portray Goliath’s origin story, actors were filmed on green screens and AI was used to generate a mythical sequence involving dark sky, rain, mountains and angels with wings.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

I live on Avenue B, Dylan lives on Avenue D. Our origin story comes down to our last names, Alejo and Boggs.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera