# stage

/ˈsteɪdʒ/ (US) · /stˈeɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stage
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a phase or step

noun · CEFR A2

a particular point or period in a process or development.

For teachers: a distinct step or period in a sequence of events or a process of development.

- The project is still in its early stages, so we can change the plan.
- At this stage of the negotiations, both parties are hesitant to make further concessions without seeing a revised budget.

### 2. theatre platform

noun · CEFR A2

the raised area in a theatre where actors or singers perform.

For teachers: a raised floor or platform, typically in a theatre, on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform.

- The band walked onto the stage and the crowd started cheering.
- The lead actor stood alone on the stage, illuminated by a single spotlight that emphasized the dramatic tension of the final scene.

### 3. the acting profession

noun · CEFR B2

the world of acting and the theatre.

For teachers: the theatrical profession or the world of drama as a whole.

- She left her job in the city to pursue a career on the stage.
- Many legendary performers found it difficult to transition from the stage to the more subtle requirements of film acting.

Usage: Usually used with 'the', as in 'the stage'.

### 4. microscope part

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the small platform on a microscope where you put the slide.

For teachers: the small platform on a microscope on which the specimen or slide is placed for examination.

- Carefully place the glass slide on the microscope stage.
- The technician adjusted the mechanical stage to bring the cellular structure into the center of the objective lens's field of view.

### 5. rocket section

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

one of the parts of a rocket that falls off after its fuel is used.

For teachers: a self-contained section of a rocket that is discarded after its fuel is exhausted during flight.

- The first stage of the rocket fell into the ocean after launch.
- The successful separation of the second stage was critical for the satellite to reach its intended geostationary orbit.

### 6. to produce a play

verb · CEFR B1

to organize and present a play or a concert.

For teachers: to present a performance of a dramatic work or musical event.

- The local school plans to stage a musical next spring.
- The company decided to stage a modern interpretation of Hamlet, setting the action in a corporate boardroom rather than a castle.

### 7. to organize an event

verb · CEFR B2

to organize or make a big event happen.

For teachers: to organize and carry out an event, protest, or public action.

- The workers decided to stage a protest outside the factory gates.
- Opposition leaders managed to stage a massive rally in the capital despite the government's attempts to restrict public gatherings.

### 8. to medicalize

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to find out how far a disease like cancer has spread.

For teachers: to determine the extent or severity of a disease, particularly cancer, in a patient.

- The doctors need to stage the tumor before they can start treatment.
- Accurately staging the patient's condition is essential for selecting the most effective oncological intervention.

## Examples

- The project is in its final stage.
- The actors walked onto the stage to take their final bow after the play ended.
- While the initial stage of the recovery was slow, the subsequent phases showed a marked improvement in the patient's mobility and overall health.

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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.