background music

American  

noun

1. music, often recorded, intended to provide a soothing background, usually played over loudspeaker systems in public places, as railway stations or restaurants.

2. music composed specifically to accompany and heighten the mood of a visual production, as a movie.

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Etymology

Origin of background music

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Not the mellow, easy-listening variety that serves as background music in elevators and waiting rooms.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

This is part of the background music in America: Americans who aren’t unemployed and do have a house are afraid that in the next few years they could lose their job, their security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

Included in Russia’s newly privatized health care system were private clinics for the ultra-wealthy offering hotel-like amenities, including private rooms, tea and soft background music.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2025

In the past year, Trump has attended at least four such events, often making fighter-style entrances with background music and an entourage.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

I can almost hear the documentary’s mournful violin background music start up.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden