📒 a period or state that something/somebody passes through while developing or making progress
- at… stage I can't make a decision at this stage.
- At one stage it looked as though they would win.
- The product is at the design stage.
📒 a separate part that a process, etc. is divided into
- We did the first stage of the trip by train.
- in stages The pay increase will be introduced in stages (= not all at once).
- All the recipes are broken down into easy stages.
📒 a raised area, usually in a theatre, etc. where actors, dancers, etc. perform
- on stage There were more than 50 people on stage in one scene.
- off stage Half the band walked off stage.
- onto the stage The audience threw flowers onto the stage.
📒 the theatre and the world of acting as a form of entertainment
- The screenplay was originally written for the stage.
- on the stage His parents didn't want him to go on the stage (= to be an actor).
- She was a popular star of stage and screen (= theatre and cinema/movies).
📒 an area of activity where important things happen, especially in politics
- She was forced to the centre of the political stage.
- The country is now a major player on the world stage.
- Germany is playing a leading role on the international stage.
📒 a stagecoach (= a large carriage pulled by horses that was used in the past to carry passengers, and often mail, along a regular route)
📒 to make it possible for something to happen; to make something likely to happen
- Family problems in childhood can set the stage for stress in adult life.
- The thrilling semi-finals set the stage for what should be a great game.