the part of a picture, scene, or design that forms a setting for the main figures or objects, or appears furthest from the viewer

the house stands against a background of sheltering trees

the word is written in white on a red background

the circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event

the political and economic background

background information

form a background to

windswept land backgrounded by the Rockies

provide with background

the embassy backgrounded American reporters