backdrop

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An image that serves as a visual background.

   The president spoke outside the brick exterior of the firehouse for Ladder Company 10 and Engine Company 10, against the backdrop of a 56-foot-long bronze bas-relief depicting the towers in flames.

2. 2
   noun

   The setting or background of an acted performance.

   Blackpool’s aggregate victory ensures Birmingham are now preparing for a potential summer of change. Manager Chris Hughton has been operating against a backdrop of financial uncertainty all season and last night Peter Pannu, the vice-chairman, announced that the club’s accounts would finally be published next week, and that a new investor had been identified.

3. 3
   noun

   Any background situation.

   Against a backdrop of falling interest rates, the new savings account is looking less appealing.

4. 4
   verb

   To serve as a backdrop for.

   a brilliant sunset backdropping the famous skyline

5. 5
   noun

   scenery hung at back of stage

6. 6
   noun

   A decorated cloth hung at the back of a stage.

Etymology

From back + drop.