plural stages
1
a
: one of a series of positions or stations one above the other : step
b
: the height of the surface of a river above an arbitrary zero point
flood stage
2
a(1)
: a raised platform
(2)
: the part of a theater on which the acting takes place and which often includes the wings
(3)
: the acting profession : the theater as an occupation or activity
(4)
b
: a center of attention or scene of action
an important figure on the national stage
The company plans to compete on the world stage.
3
a
: a scaffold for workmen
b
: the small platform of a microscope on which an object is placed for examination
4
a
: a place of rest formerly provided for those traveling by stagecoach : station
b
: the distance between two stopping places on a road
c
5
a
: a period or step in a process, activity, or development: such as
(1)
: one of the distinguishable periods of growth and development of a plant or animal
the larval stage of an insect
(2)
: a period or phase in the course of a disease
also
: the degree of involvement or severity of a disease
b
: one passing through a (specified) stage
6
: an element or part of an electronic device (such as an amplifier)
7
: one of two or more sections of a rocket that have their own fuel and engine
see also:
staged; staging; stages
1
: to produce (something, such as a play) on a stage
2
: to produce or cause to happen for public view or public effect
stage a track meet
staged a fight
stage a hunger strike
3
: to arrange or decorate a house, condominium, etc. in order to enhance its appeal to prospective buyers or renters
Though it can be a bit pricey, having your home staged for sale is worth considering.—Casey Bond
4
: to determine the phase or severity of (a disease) based on a classification of established symptomatic criteria
also
: to evaluate (a patient) to determine the phase, severity, or progression of a disease
: intended to represent a type or stereotype
a stage Irishman
a stage French accent
plural stages
1
: a usually unpaid internship in a professional kitchen that is part of a chef's training
The stereotypical stage … involves cleaning mushrooms by the bucketful or chopping onions until your eyeballs dissolve.—Jonathan Kauffman
2
: a person who holds such an internship : stagiaire
… many of America's best restaurants have an ever-changing roster of stages constantly passing through the kitchen doors.—Matt Tripp
staged; staging; stages
: to intern in a professional kitchen usually without pay as part of one's training to become a chef
I'd attended culinary school, staged at Jean Georges in New York City and worked the line at Gramercy Tavern.—Sophie Brickman
Cite this Entry
“Stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stage. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
