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¹stage

noun \ˈstāj\

: a particular point or period in the growth or development of something

: a raised platform in a theater, auditorium, etc., where the performers stand

: the art or profession of acting and especially of acting in theaters

Full Definition of STAGE

a : one of a series of positions or stations one above the other : step

b : the height of the surface of a river above an arbitrary zero point <flood stage>

a (1) : a raised platform (2) : the part of a theater on which the acting takes place and which often includes the wings (3) : the acting profession : the theater as an occupation or activity (4) : soundstage

b : a center of attention or scene of action

a : a scaffold for workmen

b : the small platform of a microscope on which an object is placed for examination

a : a place of rest formerly provided for those traveling by stagecoach : station

b : the distance between two stopping places on a road

c : stagecoach

a : a period or step in a process, activity, or development: as (1) : one of the distinguishable periods of growth and development of a plant or animal <the larval stage of an insect> (2) : a period or phase in the course of a disease; also : the degree of involvement or severity of a disease

b : one passing through a (specified) stage

: an element or part of an electronic device (as an amplifier)

: one of two or more sections of a rocket that have their own fuel and engine

— stage·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

— stage·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— on the stage

: in or into the acting profession

See stage defined for English-language learners

See stage defined for kids

Origin of STAGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French estage abode, story of a building, state, from Vulgar Latin *staticum, from Latin stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to STAGE

Synonyms: dais, podium, rostrum, platform, stand, tribune

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

Rhymes with STAGE

age, cage, gage, Gage, gauge, mage, page, rage, sage, swage, wage

²stage

transitive verb

: to produce (a play, performance, etc.) on a stage

: to organize and produce (a public event)

: to arrange or do (something that is intended to get a lot of public attention)

stagedstag·ing

Full Definition of STAGE

: to produce (as a play) on a stage

: to produce or cause to happen for public view or public effect <stage a track meet> <stage a hunger strike>

: to determine the phase or severity of (a disease) based on a classification of established symptomatic criteria; also : to evaluate (a patient) to determine the phase, severity, or progression of a disease

— stage·able \ˈstā-jə-bəl\ adjective

First Known Use of STAGE

1879

Related to STAGE

Synonyms: carry, give, mount, offer, present

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

³stage

adjective

Definition of STAGE

: intended to represent a type or stereotype <a stage Irishman> <a stage French accent>

First Known Use of STAGE

1824

STAGE Defined for Kids

¹stage

noun \ˈstāj\

Definition of STAGE for Kids

: a raised floor (as for speaking or performing)

: a step forward in a journey, a task, a process, or a development : phase <“The plan is still in its early stages …” — E. B. White, Charlotte's Web>

: the theatrical profession or art

: a place where something important happens <the political stage>

: stagecoach