# offstage

/ˈɔfˈsteɪdʒ/ (US) · /ˈɒfsteɪdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/offstage
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

away from the main stage, where the audience cannot see you. You use it for actors waiting to perform or things happening behind the scenes.

For teachers: occurring or situated in the area behind or beside the stage, out of view of the audience. Often extends figuratively to events kept private from public attention.

## Examples

- The actor waits offstage before his big entrance.
- The singer stays offstage until the lights dim and the band starts playing.
- Even while the debate raged onstage, the real negotiation happened offstage, in quiet conversations that shaped the final agreement.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies; also appears before nouns when describing hidden actions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.