Dictionary
1upstage
adverb up·stage \ˈəp-ˈstāj\
: toward the back part of a stage
Full Definition of UPSTAGE
1
: toward or at the rear of a theatrical stage
2
: away from a motion-picture or television camera
See upstage defined for English-language learners
See upstage defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of UPSTAGE
1870
Rhymes with UPSTAGE
2upstage
adjective
Definition of UPSTAGE
1
[3upstage] : haughty
2
: of or relating to the rear of a stage
See upstage defined for kids
First Known Use of UPSTAGE
1918
3upstage
verb up·stage \ˌəp-ˈstāj\
: to take attention away from (someone or something else, such as another performer)
Full Definition of UPSTAGE
transitive verb
1
: to draw attention away from <upstaging the competition>
2
: to force (an actor) to face away from the audience by staying upstage
3
: to treat snobbishly
See upstage defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of UPSTAGE
1921
4upstage
noun up·stage \ˈəp-ˌstāj\
Definition of UPSTAGE
: the part of a stage that is farthest from the audience or camera
First Known Use of UPSTAGE
circa 1931
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: upstairs (adverb)Previous Word in the Dictionary: upspringAll Words Near: upstage
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up upstage? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).