noun

backstory

BAK-staw-ree

Backstory (noun) means the background history of a person or character that explains who they are and why they act as they do, even though it isn't shown directly. Example: “The film reveals the villain's backstory in a flashback halfway through.”

noun

The background history of a person or character that explains who they are and why they act as they do, even though it isn't shown directly.

"The film reveals the villain's backstory in a flashback halfway through."

"Every character in the novel has a rich backstory that shapes their choices."

A made-up personal history someone tells others to hide their real past or intentions.

"The con artist had invented an elaborate backstory to gain his victims' trust."

How to use backstory

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe history behind a person, character, or situation that explains how things got to where they are now.

Common pairings

tragic backstory reveal the backstory character's backstory

Word forms

backstories plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film reveals the villain's _____ in a flashback halfway through.

Etymology

From back- (meaning "toward the past") combined with story — literally the story behind the current one.

Rhymes for backstory

Cory Tory gory dory Rory ivory glory story Amory Emory theory memory

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Frequently asked questions

What does “backstory” mean?

The word “backstory” means the background history of a person or character that explains who they are and why they act as they do, even though it isn't shown directly. In plain terms, the history behind a person, character, or situation that explains how things got to where they are now.

How do you pronounce “backstory”?

“Backstory” is pronounced BAK-staw-ree (/ˈbækˌstɔɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “backstory” in a sentence?

Here is “backstory” used in a sentence: “The film reveals the villain's backstory in a flashback halfway through.”

What part of speech is “backstory”?

“Backstory” is a noun.

How many meanings does “backstory” have?

“Backstory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the background history of a person or character that explains who they are and why they act as they do, even though it isn't shown directly.