backstage

[bak-steyj]

adverb

1. behind the proscenium in a theater, especially in the wings or dressing rooms.

2. toward the rear of the stage; upstage.

3. out of view of the public; in private; behind the scenes.

   Many of the deals were made backstage at the convention.

adjective

1. located or occurring backstage.

2. of or relating to activities unknown to the public.

3. of or relating to the private lives of people in the entertainment industry.

   backstage gossip.

noun

1. Theater.,  a backstage area.

backstage

/ ˌbækˈsteɪdʒ /

adverb

1. behind the part of the theatre in view of the audience; in the dressing rooms, wings, etc

2. towards the rear of the stage

adjective

1. situated backstage

2. informal,  away from public view

Word History and Origins

Origin of backstage¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; back ² + stage

Example Sentences

Then he smiled, this conspiratorial grown-up smile that made the backstage fluorescents feel warmer.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales shook hands with Paddington Bear and discussed marmalade sandwiches backstage at this year's Royal Variety Performance.

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It was as if a whole flock of Berthas had been set loose backstage!

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With a quiet tread born of crossing silently backstage during performances, Simon slipped behind the hedge.

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Speaking backstage, the childhood friends expressed their gratitude to each other.

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