noun
Uncommon
backdrop
BAK-drop
Backdrop (noun) means a large painted cloth or screen hung behind a stage set. Example: “The painted backdrop showed a moonlit forest.”
noun
1
A large painted cloth or screen hung behind a stage set.
"The painted backdrop showed a moonlit forest."
2
The circumstances or setting against which events take place.
"The wedding took place against the backdrop of a looming recession."
verb
1
To serve as a background for something.
"Snow-capped mountains backdropped the entire ceremony."
How to use backdrop
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA background scene on a stage, or more broadly, the setting or context surrounding an event.
Common pairings
against the backdrop of
a painted backdrop
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Word forms
- Plural
- backdrops
- Third person singular
- backdrops
- Past tense
- backdropped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The painted _____ showed a moonlit forest.
Etymology
From back + drop.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “backdrop” mean?
The word “backdrop” means a large painted cloth or screen hung behind a stage set. In plain terms, a background scene on a stage, or more broadly, the setting or context surrounding an event.
How do you pronounce “backdrop”?
“Backdrop” is pronounced BAK-drop (/ˈbæk.dɹɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “backdrop” in a sentence?
Here is “backdrop” used in a sentence: “The painted backdrop showed a moonlit forest.”
What part of speech is “backdrop”?
Depending on how it is used, “backdrop” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “backdrop” a common word?
“Backdrop” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “backdrop” have?
“Backdrop” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large painted cloth or screen hung behind a stage set.
What is the difference between 'backdrop' and 'background'?
Backdrop originally refers to a large painted cloth or screen hung behind a stage set, while background is a more general term for anything behind a scene, physical or figurative. Figuratively, both can describe surrounding circumstances, but backdrop often implies a more deliberate or dramatic setting, especially in photography, film, or historic narration.
How is 'backdrop' used figuratively?
Figuratively, a backdrop refers to the circumstances or setting against which events take place, such as 'the negotiations happened against a backdrop of rising tensions.' This usage frames a situation as a kind of scene-setting context for the main action, and is common in news writing and historical narrative.
Can 'backdrop' be used as a verb?
Yes, backdrop can be used as a verb meaning to serve as a background for something, as in 'mountains backdropped the small village.' This verb use is less common than the noun form and appears mostly in descriptive or literary writing.
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