stage fright

noun

: nervousness felt at appearing before an audience

Examples of stage fright in a Sentence

She got over her stage fright by the second act. I get stage fright whenever I have to speak in front of a large group of people.
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.
With the rise of screen culture, all the world has stage fright. — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2026 Sing your heart out at karaoke, and don’t worry about stage fright—private rooms are the norm. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 Having ended a 28-year wait to make it here, the duo have not suffered from stage fright. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Your talent for overcoming stage fright will help someone in a similar predicament today. — Usa Today, USA Today, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stage fright

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stage fright was in 1876

Rhymes for stage fright

See All Rhymes for stage fright

Browse Nearby Words

stage effect
stage fright
stagehand
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stage fright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stage%20fright. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stage fright

noun
: nervousness felt at appearing before an audience
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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