center stage

noun

1
: the central part of a theatrical stage
2
: a central or highly prominent position
an issue that has taken center stage in the campaign
center stage adjective or adverb

Examples of center stage in a Sentence

The actor stood alone at center stage. As we wrap up work on the old project, a new one moves to center stage. The issue is expected to take center stage in the elections.
Recent Examples on the Web At center stage were Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, who has appeared competitive with DeSantis' second place position in some national polls. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 9 Nov. 2023 But Diddy remained center stage, at one point climbing atop the roof of the bar, stoicly staring out at partygoers as a spotlight shone on him. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023 Baker, at center stage in the concerts, brings fire and sometimes snark and also settles into the most gorgeous two- and three-part harmonies this side of Laurel Canyon. Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Nov. 2023 And given that the music is just as important to the overall experience, there’s a sound system that competes for center stage with the food and drinks: Zimmerman himself sourced vintage mint JBL Pro Series studio speakers from which jazz records will be piped through the space. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2023 Israelis and Palestinians are again center stage and the question has been the same since Israel’s war for independence in 1948. Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023 The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is center stage again, and America risks being drawn into a wider war. ABC News, 22 Oct. 2023 The Republican National Committee today released the podium lineup: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will be center stage, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley will stand to his right and conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will be on his left. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2023 The company reserved the spot at center stage for Alexa, the voice assistant powering all of Amazon’s smart home ambitions. WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'center stage.' 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

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of center stage was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near center stage

Cite this Entry

“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20stage. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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