backdrop

noun

back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp 

1

: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage

2

: background

backdrop transitive verb

Synonyms

• background
• ground

Examples of backdrop in a Sentence

The mountains provided a perfect backdrop for the wedding photos.

The novel unfolds against a backdrop of war.

The city provides the backdrop for the love story.

Recent Examples on the Web

For these attendants, lagging pay adds insult to injury when seen against the backdrop of the post-pandemic years, which exacerbated longstanding issues in the industry including staffing shortage, long hours, and unruly passengers, some of whom assault airline staff. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 June 2024

Against the backdrop of the band’s trademark Southern California brand of bright punk, Holland sings about the people in our lives who add support and strength in our darkest moments. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 7 June 2024

Officials said that the president would use that backdrop, where Ronald Reagan delivered a similar speech in 1984, to make a broader point about the dangers of isolationism and the need to protect and nurture democracy. —Peter Baker, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Shinn’s companies provided hair styling, makeup, wardrobe, cameras, crews, equipment and mansion backdrop settings for TikTok stars. —Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

backdrop

noun

back·​drop ˈbak-ˌdräp 

1

: a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage

2

: background sense 1, 3a