backstage

1 of 2

adjective

back·​stage ˈbak-ˌstāj 

1

: of, relating to, or occurring in the area behind the stage and especially in the dressing rooms

2

: of or relating to the private lives of theater people

3

: of or relating to the inner working or operation (as of an organization)

backstage

2 of 2

adverb

back·​stage ˈbak-ˈstāj 

1

: in or to a backstage area

2

: in private : secretly

Synonyms

Adverb

• confidentially
• in camera
• intimately
• privately
• secretly

Examples of backstage in a Sentence

Adverb

After the show, we went backstage to meet the band.

some of the most important decisions were made backstage, and only presented to the full committee afterward

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Even Maggie Sajak, the show's social media correspondent and daughter of the legendary former host Pat Sajak, was stumped along with the rest of the backstage crew. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Obfuscation, workarounds, and overspends would no longer be backstage levers for the big boys to pull. —Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 24 Apr. 2024

Adverb

After the match, however, McDonagh collapsed backstage, prompting further concern. Witnesses, including his partner Mysterio, were visibly distressed as he was quickly taken to a local hospital. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Spin magazine editor Craig Marks files harassment and assault charges against Warner, accusing him of threatening his life after inviting him backstage at a New York show. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing backstage

• backstage pass

Kids Definition

backstage

adverb or adjective

back·​stage

ˈbak-ˈstāj

: in or to an area behind the stage of a theater