onstage

[ on-steyj, awn- ]

/ ˈɒnˈsteɪdʒ, ˈɔn- /

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adverb

on or onto the stage (opposed to offstage): The director shouted, “Onstage, everybody!”

adjective

of, relating to, or used in the acting area, or that part of the stage that is in view of the audience.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of onstage

First recorded in 1925–30; on + stage

Words nearby onstage

on someone's coattails, on someone's nerves, on someone's side, on speaking terms, on spec, onstage, on standby, on-stream, on strike, on sufferance, ont-

How to use onstage in a sentence

She knows so much of what made her childhood difficult is also what helped her find her voice onstage.
Sarah Silverman just wants to make things right|Geoff Edgers|February 4, 2021|Washington Post
Early in her career, Tyson landed roles in television and onstage, often earning good notices.
Cicely Tyson Didn't Just Open Doors—She Opened Whole Worlds|Stephanie Zacharek|January 29, 2021|Time
I just was like, “Well, I can’t wait to get onstage again,” because it was my favorite show.
Rocketing to the Top With Jordin Sparks|Leslie dela Vega|December 20, 2020|Ozy
The gig ended with four of the people onstage infected with the coronavirus, including 43-year-old Blount.
This couple hit their stride after years of hard work. Then covid-19 hit them.|Petula Dvorak|December 3, 2020|Washington Post

In fact, they can be seen onstage where plexiglass walls separate the actors from the audience.
GALA Hispanic Theater reopens with comedy — and plexiglass|Patrick Folliard|October 31, 2020|Washington Blade
Prince may have pranced around like a carefree libertine onstage, but in rehearsal he was more drill sergeant than sprite.
Speed Read: The Juiciest Bits From the History of ‘Purple Rain’|Jennie Yabroff|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Her very first performance onstage came at the age of 4, when she cameoed as a dancing flower in the musical Bye Bye Birdie.
Jena Malone’s Long, Strange Trip From Homelessness to Hollywood Stardom|Marlow Stern|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Chris Brown announced onstage at The Forum in Los Angeles on Friday night.
The Chris Brown vs. Drake Feud Continues: Brown Claims Ex GF Karrueche Tran Cheated with Drizzy|Marlow Stern|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A militarized strike force onstage, attired in all black with faces smeared in black as though prepped for a nighttime raid.
Mexico’s Murderous SWAT Teams|Jason McGahan|November 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Joplin would not only drink heavily before going onstage, she would famously continue swigging away during her shows.
Janis Joplin’s Kozmic Blues|William O’Connor|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There were exciting new plans lurking in the wings then, waiting to leap onstage and take shape.
Makers|Cory Doctorow
I ducked into a utilidor, changed into my costume and went back onstage.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom|Cory Doctorow