stage fright

noun

: nervousness felt at appearing before an audience

Examples of stage fright in a Sentence

She got over her stage fright by the second act. I get stage fright whenever I have to speak in front of a large group of people.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sing your heart out at karaoke, and don’t worry about stage fright—private rooms are the norm. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 Radcliffe famously performed nude in Equus his Broadway debut, a moment many might consider the ultimate test of stage fright. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 An introverted young boxer with incredible ability and skill who battles to overcome low confidence, high anxiety and stage fright in pursuit of her potential. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 May 2026 As a girl, Sabrina Langlois loved to sing but suffered from terrible stage fright. Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stage fright

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stage fright was in 1876

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stage fright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stage%20fright. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

stage fright

noun
: nervousness felt at appearing before an audience
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