1A point, period, or step in a process or development.

1. 1.1 A section of a journey or race.
   the final stage of the journey is made by coach

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Al Eile comes up in the final stages of the race to edge out Cheltenham winner Inglis Drever.
   • Whenever a driver has conducted a race simulation test, stringing together dozens of laps without changing tyres, they begin to get a feel for how the car might handle during the closing stages of a grand prix.
   • It was the final stage of the journey and despite his tough Brooklyn upbringing he was tense and nervous.
   • Pride swelled through his body as he recalled the stages of his journey, and he felt a great love for the one who had guided him.
   • The final stage of our journey along the Lower Zambesi was sheer heaven.
   • The fear factor is likely to dominate the race in its final stage.
   • Kadarann stretched clear in the final stages to score by eight lengths, with Lady Cricket - who made mistakes - a further four lengths back in third.
   • From there they are taken to join other young orphans in Tsavo East national park for the second stage of their journey back into the wild.
   • Each side will field three players in singles games, with the winning teams from each of four sections going through to the semi - finals and final stages on Wednesday.
   • So often in the past the Bath man has had the speed but lacked the finishing power in the final stages of the race, but that fault finally appears to have been set aside.
   • The movie begins with a voiceover explaining the volume of this traffic; the stages of the journey are shown on a map, a little like the refugee trail in the opening sequence of Casablanca.
   • During the final stages of his journey, Nicholas swaps notes with Simon Osborne, the British kayaker who circumnavigated Britain to raise money for charity in memory of his brother Mark.
   • Ill-prepared, with no sun-cream and little water, we set off across the gently inclined shoulder linking us to the final stages of our Lugnaquilla ascent.
   • The final two stages of the tour - the circuit race and road race - were won in field sprints.
   • In the final stages both Audi crews raced for tenths of a second.
   • We hurried into the next car for the last stage of our journey up the mountain.
   • He and his fiancée want to spend as much of that time together as possible, but immigration officials are blocking their attempts to be united along various stages of the journey.
   • They held on in the face of desperate Longford pressure and as the game entered its final stages they looked likely winners.
   • It's been great to talk to people who have had the same surgeon I'll have, and it's interesting to read about people at different stages of their journey.
   • Timmy Murphy cleverly switches the horse to the inside rail in the final stages of the race and then wins a battle with Made In Japan between the last two fences.

   Synonyms

   part, section, portion, stretch, phase

   leg, lap, circuit
2. 1.2 Each of two or more sections of a rocket or spacecraft that have their own engines and are jettisoned in turn when their propellant is exhausted.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • Three of the four stages exhausted their solid propellants through a single adjustable nozzle which guided the missile along its flight path.
   • Russian and European engineers will work together to develop reusable liquid engines, reusable liquid stages and experimental vehicles.
   • These, explained Durda, were the last remnants of the flame emanating from the lower stages of the Black Brant rocket, now tumbling away from the payload.
   • Eventually the Atlas and R - 7 each received more powerful engines and larger upper stages.
   • The problem took place as the first stage of the bright red rocket burned out.
   • It was due to make a circuit of Earth before separating from the second stage of the rocket 90 minutes after launch.
   • The first, second, and third stages of the Soyuz launch vehicle fired and separated by 11 minutes into the rocket's flight.
   • The process of attaching the stages of a rocket to one another is known as integration, and it can be done in one of two ways - vertically and horizontally.
   • On either side would be two smaller booster stages, each with two F - 1A engines.
   • Rocket fuels and explosive devices to separate the rocket's stages in flight or to destroy the craft if it veers off course are loaded into the rocket.
   • The Saturn S-IVB third stages were not designed to carry fuel in orbit for more than six hours and would require extensive modification.
   • Everything on board Rokot went as planned, but the second and third stages of the engines failed to ignite, meaning the satellite simply didn't have the necessary power behind it to reach orbit.
   • It flies out to Mars with its two methane/oxygen driven rocket propulsion stages unfueled.
   • A jammed valve in the control system of the second stage of the launch vehicle led to the failure.
   • Spaceports usually notify pilots and ship captains of the regions of the ocean that will be off-limits during a launch because rocket stages or debris could fall there.
   • Both stages use parachutes and airbags for landing.
   • For example, the agency often uses Delta II launch vehicles, and they let the expended second stages of these rockets just drop from the sky.
   • The launch vehicle employed comprised three stages, the first stage being the highly successful Redstone rocket.
   • SpaceX is mitigating this risk by using only two stages with one engine in each stage, as well as dual redundant avionics.
   • Within nine minutes, he was in orbit and the various stages of the rocket had peeled off, prompting a round of applause among the engineers and technicians on hand to watch.
3. 1.3Electronics with modifier A specified part of a circuit, typically one consisting of a single amplifying transistor or valve with the associated equipment.
   a series resistance between the headphones and the output stage

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Shipley is also working on replacing the conventional electroless and electrolytic copper deposition stages with a single electroless copper stage.
   • Many laser systems consist of an oscillator followed by one or more amplifier stages.
   • In one embodiment, the summing node is coupled to a summing circuit disposed between two gain stages of an error amplifier in the first circuit.
   • Such mode changes may, for example, entail switching amplifier stages in and out of an amplification signal path.
   • Both the wafer stage and reticle stage float on air bearings and move with linear motors.

2A raised floor or platform, typically in a theatre, on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform.

1. 2.1the stage The acting or theatrical profession.
   I've always wanted to go on the stage

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Sarah, like Casaubon's aunt Julia, had run away from her family's household to go on the stage.
   • A robust player, he devoted his long life to keeping Shakespeare on the stage.
   • Kathleen is still actively involved in the group but does not go on the stage.
   • The superstar of the stage is back again with his latest collection of digs at society.
   • Perhaps it is simply because the pulpit and the stage have so much in common.
   • But I bet they could make even the phonebook sound as if it were written for the stage.
   • Would it be permissible for me to do a dramatic adaptation of one of your stories for the stage for a summer production for charity?
   • Strange, then, that he should all but abandon poetry in his twenties, and concentrate his efforts on writing for the stage.
   • She also likes to write for the stage and has written a one act play.
   • Her father was very caring but did not want his daughter to go on the stage.
   • The son of Thomas Arne, he was brought up by his aunt, the actress Mrs Cibber, who introduced him to the stage.
   • Her poems have appeared in many anthologies, and she has written widely for stage and television.
   • Naomi has three she left behind when she deserted her husband to go on the stage.
   • If you want to put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington, send her to Bradford.
   • Threats by an absent father that he would annihilate his wife if she put their daughter on the stage proved no deterrent.
   • Writing was a consistent part of Launder's career and he wrote for the stage and radio, as well as for cinema.
   • I might add though, that I feel rejuvenated as a result of being back on the stage.
   • How do you adapt George Orwell's famous memoir of the Spanish civil war for the stage?
   • He was a born actor, like many of those who graced the stage when amateur drama was at its peak.
   • Toyah Willcox returns to the stage to play Calamity, a role made famous on the Hollywood screen by Doris Day.

   Synonyms

   (the) theatre, drama, dramatics, dramatic art, show business, the play, the footlights

   informal the boards, rep

   rare thespianism
2. 2.2in singular A scene of action or forum of debate, especially in a particular political context.
   Britain is playing a leading role on the international stage

   Example sentencesExamples

   • We needed an identity that would last and one that would see us playing on a world stage.
   • His approach to diplomacy will decide the nation's position on the world stage for a long time to come.
   • The potential of using this psychological ground as part of a stage for political action has been known for some time.
   • Mr Nolan is no stranger to the political stage, having run in both the local and general elections in the past.
   • So who precisely is deflecting public perception away from internal problems onto the international stage?
   • That assertion represents the goal for all three men to perform on a larger political stage.
   • Is this the man we want advocating for this country, and representing this country on an international stage?
   • Frank brought this country onto the world stage in boxing after several decades in the wilderness.
   • Huntington welterweight Glenn Banks is set to grace the international stage when he flies to Copenhagen at the end of the month.
   • It is also a leading player on the international stage with operations in 24 countries.
   • William Hague really did pave the way for his return to the political stage at his packed out event on his book William Pitt the Younger.
   • On the political and international stage, events were moving apace on Wednesday.
   • Perhaps he just wished to feed an ego that sought a central place on the world stage.
   • The reform of civil service pensions put civil servants at the centre of the political stage recently.
   • Ministers now come and go, booed off the political stage by an impatient media if they fail to keep the pack amused.
   • But this was a scene playing on the international stage, for the world to behold.
   • All nations, it seems, are desperate to compete at the highest level on the world stage.
   • At least you can sleep at night regardless of sudden shocks on the global economic and political stage.
   • On the wider political stage, doctors should demand a level playing field.
   • They also question the idea that the state is the main actor on the world political stage, although they do not deny that it is important.

   Synonyms

   scene, setting

   context, frame, sphere, field, realm, forum, site, arena, background, backdrop

   affairs

3A floor or level of a building or structure.

1. 3.1 (on a microscope) a raised and usually movable plate on which a slide or object is placed for examination.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • When placed on the microscope stage, the bottom of the Petri dish was superimposed on this circle.
   • The specimen was placed on the stage of a light microscope with the magnification set to x100.

4Geology
(in chronostratigraphy) a range of strata corresponding to an age in time, forming a subdivision of a series.

1. 4.1 (in palaeoclimatology) a period of time marked by a characteristic climate.
   the Boreal stage

   Example sentencesExamples

   • It is also evident that mudstone drapes formed during slack water stages at specific periods, whereas fine-sandstone drapes were formed in other periods.
   • Stage 2 includes deposition of the latest Neoproterozoic Lake Maurice and Ungoolya Groups, which predate and span the initial stages of the Petermann Orogeny.
   • A Devonian CRM is interpreted to be related to hydrothermal fluids associated with Devonian volcanic rocks or to fluids triggered by late stages of the Caledonian orogeny.
   • Paleontologists often refer to faunal stages rather than geologic Periods.
   • Silt and varved clay, probably deposited during the last stages of Pleistocene glaciation, cover the entire floor.

5historical A stagecoach.

1Present a performance of (a play or other show)

1. 1.1 Organize and participate in (a public event)
   UDF supporters staged a demonstration in Sofia

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The Jazz in the Foyer concerts are new monthly musical events being staged in the Foyer Bar.
   • And they will have to show they are encouraging state school pupils to consider applying, through staging events such as summer schools and master classes.
   • In France and Italy, pioneering events were staged on public roads from city to city.
   • The marchers will then go down Alice Lane where they will stop at the corner of 5th Street to be addressed by speakers from the organisations staging the protests.
   • As a result they are constantly staging festivals and events: international tennis tournaments, beach volleyball championships in the summer, the vintage car auction.
   • This Sunday, Ilkley Harriers are staging their premier event - the Ilkley Moor Fell Race over 5.5 miles with 1,150 ft of climb.
   • Fresh impetus has been given to staging a world championship sports event in South Lakeland after organisers were about to ‘throw in the towel.’
   • While efforts for staging the event are being reviewed, training for potential participants has started at the four regional centres across the country.
   • Supporters of the men staged an impromptu protest outside Glasgow City Chambers which was attended by about 200 people.
   • However, campaigning parents have launched a petition to save Blackfield Infant School and are staging a public meeting on the site next Tuesday at 7.30 pm.
   • People from Beloit and surrounding regions also staged a parade as the initial organized event of the day.
   • Most events proved extremely popular as organisers succeeded in staging a festival, which appealed to the ordinary person, rather than the high-brow artistic follower.
   • The event was staged by concert organisers, Young Voices.
   • Several readers have contacted the paper this week about plans to stage various events to support the campaign.
   • The new service is already in talks with several high profile public sector organisations about staging large-scale forums.
   • To this end a series of evening classes and weekend workshops is planned to complement the concerts and events being staged.
   • He also thanked the venues for hosting the events and the rest of the committee members for their work in organising and staging the event.
   • Air traffic controllers threatened to stage a partial strike if their demands were not considered.
   • Outdoor events and processions were staged on a large scale, and were as dramatic and successful as the indoor ceremonies and entertainments.
   • Other South African cities only had one venue for staging exhibitions or international events of a high standard.

   Synonyms

   organize, arrange, make arrangements for, coordinate, lay on, put together, fix up, get together

   orchestrate, choreograph, be responsible for, be in charge of, direct, run, manage, stage-manage, conduct, administrate, administer, set up, mastermind, engineer

   rare concert
2. 1.2 Cause (something dramatic or unexpected) to happen.
   the President's attempt to stage a comeback

   the dollar staged a partial recovery

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Trailing by ten points with less than ten minutes left, Malton staged a dramatic comeback to snatch the win.
   • After lying uncared and unattended to for quite some, the palace, which itself is the seat of history and heritage of the land, is staging a comeback into mainstream life.
   • This could be let down by the fact that he hasn't had a big hit record for years, and he might be too frail to stage such a comeback.
   • The band plans to stage a comeback after she delivers the baby.
   • However, they turned it up to the next level, staging a valiant comeback attempt, only to fall short, losing 6-4.
   • By mid-August he is ready to stage a dramatic comeback and say a proper goodbye to the game.
   • Fresh from prison, he's also staging an unexpected comeback, one that's surprising the most seasoned observers.
   • Eight days later, a Special Ops team (read, Knights in Shining Armor) stages a dramatic midnight rescue.
   • Several ethnic dishes such as ‘chiratta puttu’ and ‘kappa puttu’ are also staging a come-back.
   • Mythological and historical dramas are staging a comeback.
   • They're listening intently or with anger to a master of sound bytes who staged a dramatic comeback.
   • Once on the edge of extinction, the bitterns have staged an amazing comeback nationally, with five times as many nests as in 1997.
   • Many spectators left the Tarrawingee oval, believing that Chiltern had won, before Greta staged a dramatic comeback.
   • Traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda are staging a comeback and getting kudos for their holistic approach to ailments.
   • The word ‘hunk’, which was slipping from everyday usage, staged a valiant comeback.
   • Whenever I watch England when they're in a leading position, the possibility of their opponents staging an unexpected comeback is always at the back of my mind.
   • The singer's career was then down in the dumps and the award helped him stage a sensational comeback.
   • Kilcotton now staged a dramatic recovery, scoring three excellent points from three different players.
   • Annaghdown staged a comeback in the second-half and had a goal in the first minute.
   • But Widnes staged a dramatic second-half recovery and grabbed their opening try in the 47th minute.

2North American Style or furnish (a property for sale) in such a way as to enhance its attractiveness to potential buyers.

3Medicine
Diagnose or classify (a disease or patient) as having reached a particular stage in the expected progression of the disease.