stage left

American  

noun

Theater.

1. the part of the stage that is left of center as one faces the audience.

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stage left British  

noun

1. the part of the stage to the left of a performer facing the audience

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Etymology

Origin of stage left

First recorded in 1930–35

Compare meaning

How does stage-left compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• stage right vs. stage left

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stage left

“These will be big shoes to fill and the timing of Cook exiting stage left as CEO could make sense but also creates questions.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

The execution on stage left me in awe, willing to believe pretty much anything.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2024

Walz will stand behind the podium on stage left - the right side on the screen.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2024

Once it landed, DeChambeau turned quickly and exited stage left, making his way to 18 to congratulate Schauffele.

From Seattle Times ● May 19, 2024

Then she turned and left the stage, left him there alone, standing and facing the crowd, which began spontaneously the collective murmur of his name.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry