stage whisper

noun

Updated on: 18 Mar 2018

Definition of stage whisper

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

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stage-whisper

verb

See stage whisper defined for English-language learners

See stage whisper defined for kids

Examples of stage whisper in a Sentence

“I've had more than I can stand,” she complained in a stage whisper.

Recent Examples of stage whisper from the Web

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, "National Geographic Snatches Its Own Wig Over Racist Past," 12 Mar. 2018
Hunt down that secret pizza joint inside the Cosmopolitan that everyone recommends in stage whispers.

— mark ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, "A Love Letter to Las Vegas," 17 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stage whisper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of stage whisper

1864

STAGE WHISPER Defined for English Language Learners

stage whisper

noun

Definition of stage whisper for English Language Learners

: a loud whisper by an actor that can be heard by the audience but which the other actors on the stage pretend not to hear
: a loud whisper that is intended to be heard by everyone