COMMON If someone or something takes centre stage, they become the most significant or noticeable person or item in a situation. Note: `Centre' is spelled `center' in American English. This theme takes centre stage in his latest novel. Note: Verbs such as hold and occupy are also used instead of take. She has held centre stage for a decade now and has just enjoyed her biggest US hit in years. The summit is the first time he has occupied centre stage at an important international gathering since coming to power last year. Note: The stage referred to is in the theatre. The centre of the stage is the position where actors are most noticeable.