backstory

American  

[bak-stawr-ee, ‑-stohr-ee] / ˈbækˌstɔr i, ‑ˌstoʊr i /

Or back story

noun

backstories plural

1. a narrative providing a history or background context, especially for a character or situation in a literary work, film, or dramatic series.

2. prequel.

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Etymology

Origin of backstory

1980–85; back ¹ ( def. ) + story ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

A backstory is a specific history that led up to the current situation. If your parents come home to find popcorn all over the house and the dog wearing a tutu, they'll probably want to know the backstory. Past events and circumstances that contribute to whatever's happening now can be called the backstory, in real life and also in fiction. Sometimes the backstory is spelled out for you, like a book character's lonely childhood that helps explain their difficulty connecting with people as an adult. Film actors sometimes invent a backstory for their roles, to help them understand why they behave the way they do. Backstory is a shortened version of "background story."

Example Sentences

But behind the scenes and in her backstory, Harrison has worked hard to make it look, and sound, so easy.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The backstory is a spring home-buying season in which buyers and sellers are trying to find some footing despite economic volatility resulting from the war with Iran.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Together, we filled in the backstory for a monster movie that would begin in media res, offering no answers of its own.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

That mix of political pedigree, personal drama and cinematic backstory has helped transform García Harfuch into something more than a technocratic security chief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

“Ron, we’re building a gym,” she said, and then she gave him the backstory.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles