backgrounder

[bak-groun-der]

noun

1. a briefing for the press in which an official, often from government or business, gives background information to clarify particular policies, actions, or newsworthy issues, with the understanding that the official will not be named or quoted directly in any resulting press reports.

2. any briefing or report for the purpose of providing background information.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backgrounder¹

An Americanism dating back to 1955–60; background + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In the dossier, he found a backgrounder on the student’s parents along with their address.

From Salon

There’s a useful backgrounder on Householder and the case here: Are you just learning about Larry Householder following his arrest?

From The Guardian

Planned Parenthood did provide specific comment, but pointed Fox News to a more generic backgrounder on Daleiden.

From Fox News

This is a good quick backgrounder from the House of Commons library on how exactly proroguing parliament works.

From The Guardian

If you’re just waking up from an extensive slumber and double checking your guides as to who Danielle Collins is, here’s a fine backgrounder from Whitney McIntosh on the unseeded American:

From The Guardian