backgrounder

American  

[bak-groun-der] / ˈbækˌgraʊn dər /

noun

1. a briefing for the press in which an official, often from government or business, gives background information to clarify particular policies, actions, or newsworthy issues, with the understanding that the official will not be named or quoted directly in any resulting press reports.

2. any briefing or report for the purpose of providing background information.

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Etymology

Origin of backgrounder

An Americanism dating back to 1955–60; background + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In the dossier, he found a backgrounder on the student’s parents along with their address.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2025

We’ve updated last year’s backgrounder for the 2023 high-level meeting.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 17, 2023

There’s a useful backgrounder on Householder and the case here: Are you just learning about Larry Householder following his arrest?

From The Guardian • Jul. 30, 2020

Thompson also provides a backgrounder on how visual symbols have been historically wielded socially and politically.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2017

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella described Duterte's presentation as a "backgrounder" for Filipinos about the strife in Mindanao and to explain his independent foreign policy.

From Reuters • Sep. 13, 2016