1 [count] : a particular point or period in the growth or development of something
▪ an early/late stage of the disease ▪ children at the same stage of development ▪ the first/last stage [=phase] of the plan 2 a : a raised platform in a theater, auditorium, etc., where the performers stand [count] ▪ The actors walked out onto the stage. ▪ She has shared a stage with [=performed with] many great actors. ▪ The band took the stage [=walked onto the stage] and the concert began. [noncount] ▪ He was on stage for the entire show. ▪ an actor with a commanding stage presence [=an actor with a powerful quality that attracts attention on the stage] — see picture at theater; see also backstage, center stage, offstage
b [noncount] : the art or profession of acting and especially of acting in theaters
▪ He is a star of stage [=theater], screen, and television. ▪ She went on the stage [=became an actor] at age 15. ▪ a stage actor/play 3 [singular] : a place or area of activity in which the things that happen are watched with great interest by many people
▪ She has become an important figure on the national political stage. [=an important figure in national politics] ▪ He has no intention of leaving the political stage. ▪ The company wants to compete on the world stage. 4 [count] : a section of a rocket that has its own fuel and engine
▪ a three-stage missile