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

This is not the case of Prague’s Jewish community, however, whose unique, fascinating and ultimately tragic story is well-woven into the author’s wider narrative.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Just as early voting began this week, though, a tragic story involving a former Gonzales staffer from last year has come back to the fore.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

Marsden also points out that Nguyen’s tragic story had a moment of unexpected grace.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2025

"This was a really tragic end to a tragic story," attorney Adam Lipson told reporters after the hearing.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2024

Does he tell anyone in Chile his tragic story?

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman