English▸ noun
1 [in singular] the area or scenery behind the main object of contemplation, especially when perceived as a framework for it:
the house stands against a background of sheltering trees.
▪ the part of a picture or design that serves as a setting to the main figures or objects, or that appears furthest from the viewer:
the background shows a landscape of domes and minarets
the word is written in white on a red background.
▪ a position or function that is not prominent or conspicuous:
after that evening, Athens remained in the background.
▪ Computing used to describe tasks or processes running on a computer that do not need input from the user:
programs can be left running in the background.
▪ Physics low-intensity radiation from radioisotopes present in the natural environment.
▪ unwanted signals, such as noise in the reception or recording of sound.
2 the circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event:
the political and economic background
[as modifier] background information.
▪ a person's education, experience, and social circumstances:
she has a background in nursing
a mix of students from many different backgrounds.