background music

noun

1. music, often recorded, intended to provide a soothing background, usually played over loudspeaker systems in public places, as railway stations or restaurants.
2. music composed specifically to accompany and heighten the mood of a visual production, as a movie.

Word History and Origins

Origin of background music¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Our expert content team has a way of sprinkling soothing magic on all of our Sleep Stories through the narrator's cadence to the background music to get people to lull to sleep.

From Salon

And if the background music made the dash to the lobby feel like a nostalgic wonderland, seeing Seth Meyers walking past “Dance Moms” personality Abby Lee Miller, in a sequined outfit, made it feel like a fever dream.

From Los Angeles Times

In the past year, Trump has attended at least four such events, often making fighter-style entrances with background music and an entourage.

From BBC

Set the tone by playing soft background music that complements the setting of your outdoor dinner party.

From Seattle Times

He went on to play the song Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell, a song Wright regularly used as background music for his show.

From BBC