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
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.
The third chapter in Eddie Brock’s unexpected bromance with a symbiote named Venom puts their relationship on center stage once more, as their union now creates an existential threat to the people of Earth. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 Natural language processors like GPT have made AI accessible to anyone with a keyboard and a grasp of grammar, leading to an explosion in hype that has put artificial intelligence on center stage ever since. Darpan Munjal, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Maria puts Jolie back at center stage (not quite literally, as the film is set in Callas’s final years, though Jolie trained in operatic singing for the role). Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2024 San Diego isn't alone — housing policy is center stage in many of the country's mayoral elections this year. Andrew Keatts, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for center stage 

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 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!