noun One of the portions of a device (such as a rocket or thermonuclear weapon) which are used or activated in a particular order, one after another.
The first stage of the launcher burned out and separated after successfully boosting the payload onto a suborbital trajectory, but the engine of the upper stage failed to ignite to place the satellite into orbit.
noun A platform; a surface, generally elevated, upon which show performances or other public events are given.
The band returned to the stage to play an encore.
noun A floor or storey of a house.
noun A floor elevated for the convenience of mechanical work, etc.; scaffolding; staging.
noun A platform, often floating, serving as a kind of wharf.
noun A stagecoach, an enclosed horsedrawn carriage used to carry passengers; the service that such coaches provide; a company that operates such service.
The stage pulled into town carrying the payroll for the mill and three ladies.
noun A place of rest on a regularly travelled road; a station, way station; a place appointed for a relay of horses.