Theatre. The concluding word or words of a speech in a play, serving as a signal or direction to another actor to enter, or begin his speech.

A preface; the first turn in speaking; (also) an actor's cue.

Words spoken aside or in an undertone, so as to be inaudible to some person present; words spoken by an actor, which the other performers, on the…

Theatre. The last word of an actor's speech, serving as a prompt to another actor to speak or take the stage; a cue. Now rare.

With the sense ‘spoken or written as an aside’, as side-remark, side soliloquy, side speech, etc.

Theatre. Expressions, remarks, etc. not occurring in the written piece but interpolated or substituted by the actor.

Theatrical slang. (See quot. 1952.)

slang. Theatre ‘“Lines” half learned and imperfectly delivered’ (Farmer). Also, a mistake made when broadcasting, playing music, etc.

(a) (usually in plural) = laughter line n. at laughter, n.1 compounds 2; (b) (in a play, film, or other entertainment) a line intended to make the…

A murmurous background noise, an indistinct conversation, esp. the repetition of the word ‘rhubarb’ by actors to represent such a conversation or…

the last line of a play, act, or scene; also transferred.

Originally (usually reduplicated): the repetition of ‘walla’ (or similar sounds) by actors to represent the indistinct murmuring noise of a crowd…