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

Synonyms

• catbird seat
• limelight
• spotlight
• top billing

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

Blue began the performance strutting down center stage doing her best model walk before flawlessly breaking into a rendition of the uptempo song’s choreography. —Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025

However, before descending towards center stage, Gaga slyly exchanged the broken equipment for a regular handheld mic. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025

The life-sized, guitar-wielding cutout stood on a platform center stage, flanked by the choir Boone enlisted for the powerful rendition. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Move over, sculptural bottles and fragrance oils—solid perfumes are commanding center stage on the shelves, moving from niche status to the forefront of the category over the past year. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for center stage

• disengage
• interstage
• macrophage
• multistage
• age
• gauge
• phage
• plage
• rage
• wage
• alienage
• assuage