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 of backstage

Adverb

• privately
• confidentially
• in private
• 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

Meanwhile, Rife has posted a backstage picture of himself and Morse holding hands at Madison Square Garden in New York City. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 2 Dec. 2025

The backstage routine also becomes content on their YouTube channel. —Billboard Brasil, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025

Adverb

Some would occasionally attend shows and even greet artists backstage. —Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

In the video, the former First Lady can be seen walking backstage and posing for pictures with Brandy, Monica and Kelly Rowland, who performs a 40-minute set as a special guest on each night of the tour. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 1 Dec. 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

Rhymes for backstage

• assuage
• bocage
• downstage
• engage
• enrage
• leafage
• messuage
• offstage
• onstage
• outrage
• pelage
• prophage

Kids Definition

backstage

adverb or adjective

back·​stage

ˈbak-ˈstāj

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