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

Keys’ origin story is more dynamic on an atmospheric than dramatic level.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 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

She was writing a new story for herself, an origin story.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart