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

Her siblings Chicago, 7, and Saint, 9, were also backstage after her performance, giving fans a rare inside look at Kim and Kanye co-parenting. —Julia Moore, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025

Ahead of her anniversary show, the designer was backstage amid models, photographers, and her creative team. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

Adverb

The Tar Heels coach could be seen at the event supporting Hudson, who was spotted backstage wearing a strapless wrap minidress — in light Carolina blue, a nod to UNC. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 10 May 2025

So Fahy spent her late teens backstage, hoping and not hoping that her friend and roommate, the actress Jennifer Damiano, would have to call in sick. —Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 16 May 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