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Definition of "backdrop" []

  • A painted cloth hung at the back of a stage set. Also called backcloth. (noun)
  • The setting, as of a historical event; the background. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "backdrop" in a sentence
  • "The satin backdrop is removed and suddenly two backing boys are standing with handheld percussion, looking strangely delicate and shy in the world she has created."
  • "A Hammerson spokeswoman says the company's main focus for 2012—against what she calls a "backdrop of low growth"—will be "working with customers and using our skills to grow income and improve the value of assets within the portfolio.""
  • ""Against this backdrop is a noir-style murder mystery in which a rogue cop investigates the killing of a heroin-addicted chess prodigy who might be the messiah.""