backstory

American  

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

Or back story

noun

plural

backstories

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. )

Example Sentences

Her voice, paired with Mr. Carey’s writing, creates a beguiling audio backstory for a woman whom time has rendered as unreal as one of her waxen figures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Day trader Alex Henderson confuses his betrothed Ashley Carpenter with a shifting backstory involving frequent moves and overlapping dating histories, all attributed to his “nomadic lifestyle.”

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

This seemed rather unsporting among incumbents of the same party and delegation, which is often indicative of a backstory.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

Unlike other Japanese exports such as Pokemon, there is little backstory to the character of Hello Kitty.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

I would have thought up an entire backstory for the kids, something epic and exciting.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven