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

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Compare meaning

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

• stage right vs. stage left

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stage left

In a normal rom-com, this is where Jack would exit stage left as the martyr who nudged Wendy toward her true soulmate.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

But she may be a better reactive comedian than she is a performer alone on stage, left entirely to her own devices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 11, 2025

Guitarist George Vjestica is on the bottom level, stage right, while the incomparable Warren Ellis holds down stage left.

From Salon ● May 13, 2025

“And so I exit stage left, and it was brief.”

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 11, 2023

“Not so loud, honey,” Wanda said, and she directed the group into the wings on stage left.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

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