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

• 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

As The Judgment Day benefited from the numbers game, Iyo Sky made the save and attacked Liv, who had another backstage moment with Iyo earlier in the night. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

The backstage safari pass ($59.99) allows guests to interact with exotic animals. —Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 25 May 2025

Adverb

Bey appeared to be in shock while accepting the gift as P smoothly dapped up with Jay before galloping his way backstage. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 26 June 2025

The Jonas Brothers mean serious business while backstage ahead of their New York City concert on June 20. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 24 June 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