foreground

1 of 2

noun

fore·​ground ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd How to pronounce foreground (audio)
1
: the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator
Objects in the foreground seem larger than those in the background.
2
: a position of prominence : forefront
We want this issue to be in the foreground.
3
: a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task compare background

foreground

2 of 2

verb

foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds

transitive verb

: to bring to the foreground
especially : to give prominence or emphasis to

Examples of foreground in a Sentence

Noun We want the issue to be in the foreground. Verb Public discussion has foregrounded the issue of health care. repeatedly foregrounded his experience in international affairs in the course of his campaign for the presidency
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There is a short person in a top hat in the foreground at right, facing away from the camera, staring at a growing city of homes, offices and other buildings. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025 This practice is to raise the appeal of the shrub’s foliage or flowers above other surrounding plants that might be in the foreground. Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
Verb
This role was really an opportunity to foreground your sexuality and have this awesome love story with Gabin (Ivan du Pontavice). Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 30 June 2025 Killing off Rawls and foregrounding the team’s grief over that helps, too. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for foreground

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreground was in 1695

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

foreground

noun
fore·​ground
ˈfō(ə)r-ˌgrau̇nd,
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer

More from Merriam-Webster on foreground

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