stage whisper

noun

1
: a loud whisper by an actor that is audible to the spectators but is supposed for dramatic effect not to be heard by one or more of the actors
2
: an audible whisper
stage-whisper verb

Examples of stage whisper in a Sentence

“I've had more than I can stand,” she complained in a stage whisper.
Recent Examples on the Web Do not ask questions or prompt your child to ask questions through nods, nudges, stage whispers, or stares. Alyssa Brandt, The New Yorker, 12 June 2023 Zerwas is known for his staunch conservative positions and zealous floor speeches, given in an unmistakable rasp, which sounds like a stage whisper. Dave Orrick, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2019 Her voice is always at the same decibel and sounds more like a stage whisper than regular speech. refinery29.com, 21 May 2018 This may come as a surprise to no one, but [stage whispers] National Geographic (along with many other publications) used to be hella, obviously racist. Breanna Edwards, The Root, 12 Mar. 2018 Hunt down that secret pizza joint inside the Cosmopolitan that everyone recommends in stage whispers. Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stage whisper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stage whisper was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near stage whisper

Cite this Entry

“Stage whisper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stage%20whisper. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stage whisper

noun
: a loud whisper by an actor intended to be heard by the spectators but supposed not to be heard by persons on the stage
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