ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
1.
a. : a cloth usually painted or decorated in some way and hung across the rear of a stage or stage setting to mask the backstage area or to serve as scenic background
b. : a background used by a photographer consisting of a drapery or painted canvas stretched on a frame or hung from a support
2. : background ; especially : a background against which something is observed or stands out
Indochina is the backdrop for this tensely written story — New York Times