stage whisper

American  

noun

1. a loud whisper on a stage, meant to be heard by the audience.

2. any whisper loud enough to be overheard.

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stage whisper British  

noun

1. a loud whisper from one actor to another onstage intended to be heard by the audience

2. any loud whisper that is intended to be overheard

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stage whisper Idioms  

1. A whisper loud enough to be overheard, as in Our three-year-old behaved beautifully at the ceremony, but then he asked in a stage whisper, “Why does that lady have blue hair?” This expression alludes to an actor's whisper on stage, which is meant to be heard by the audience. [Mid-1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of stage whisper

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Speaking in a stage whisper, he says, “I remember, I was like, ‘Angie, please, louder.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s things like consistently scheduling events on dates when I said I couldn’t make it, stage whispers with other colleagues about upcoming plans when I’m right there, among other slights.

From New York Times

And she said” — his voice dropped to a stage whisper — “‘He’s going to be very big.’”

From New York Times

Then, spying me, the group races off ahead of us, amid stage whispers of “It’s him!” and “Link’s here!”

From Literature

They are always in the room, a few feet away from the powerful, always within stage whisper range.

From Washington Post