background music

noun

: music to accompany the dialogue or action of a motion picture or radio or television drama

Examples of background music in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That ’80s idea of radio as predictable background music has been amended. Tom Roland, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2024 Griffith later became a famous actor, but at the time was just part of the background music in Justice’s symphony. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The movie flicks at a variety of pieces from Bernstein's opus, in both background music and set pieces. Scott Hocker, theweek, 5 Jan. 2024 The bro-like banter, accompanied by background music from AC/DC and Meek Mill, was loose and familiar, a sign that a lot of the collectors were regulars at the Filthbomb breaks. Ken Belson, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2024 There’s little to no narration or background music to be found—just the amplified sounds of objects plunking and crunching against hard plastic. Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2024 Finally, Griselda herself is revealed, quietly glaring, before the teaser cuts to the show's title and the ominous background music crescendoes. Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023 The fact that the peppy background music will stick in your head all day is nothing new for a Mario game, of course. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 18 Oct. 2023 Similar to most air conditioning units, the best dehumidifiers can range between 40–60 decibels, which is approximately the same noise level as a quiet library or a room with background music playing. Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'background music.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of background music was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near background music

Cite this Entry

“Background music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/background%20music. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

background music

noun
: music played to go along with and add to the story or mood of a movie or radio or television show

More from Merriam-Webster on background music

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