stand-up

or stand·up

[ stand-uhp ]

/ ˈstændˌʌp /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: stand-up / stand-ups on Thesaurus.com

adjective

standing erect or upright, as a collar.

performed, taken, etc., while one stands: a stand-up meal.

designed for or requiring a standing position: a stand-up lunch counter.

(of a fight) characterized by the rapid exchange of many blows with little attention given to defensive maneuvering.

(of a person) characterized by an erect or bold stance.

Baseball. (of a double or triple) pertaining to a hit that allows the hitter to reach the base safely without having to slide.

relating to or noting a performance by a comedian delivering a monologue while alone on the stage: stand-up comedy;the best stand-up comics.

Slang. loyal and dependable: He seems to be a real stand-up guy.

noun

comedy in which a comedian delivers a monologue while alone on the stage: We bought tickets to see some stand-up at a club downtown.

a comedian who delivers such monologues: I've been a stand-up for about five years.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of stand-up

First recorded in 1580–90; adjective and noun use of verb phrase stand up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use stand-up in a sentence

“I think for trans men who are dating every time they hook up they have another coming out,” Sandler said.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In that photo, Merabet has a big smile that spreads across his whole face and lights up his eyes.
The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
We won't find out this season, though it comes up occasionally.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Kickstarter is one start-up platform that seems to have realized the danger.
Design Your Own Dinosaur: The Era of Custom DNA|Justin Jones|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The most recent issue contains detailed instructions for building car bombs, and the magazine frequently draws up hit-lists.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
What need to look to right or left when you are swallowing up free mile after mile of dizzying road?
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Most of the men leaped up, caught hold of spears or knives, and rushed out.
The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne
Some weeks after, the creditor chanced to be in Boston, and in walking up Tremont street, encountered his enterprising friend.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
In less than ten minutes, the bivouac was broken up, and our little army on the march.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
The bride elect rushes up to him, and so they both step down to the foot-lights.
Physiology of The Opera|John H. Swaby (AKA "Scrici")

British Dictionary definitions for stand-up

stand up

verb (adverb)

(intr) to rise to the feet

(intr) to resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc

(tr) informal to fail to keep an appointment with, esp intentionally

stand up for

to support, side with, or defend
US to serve as best man for (the groom) at a wedding

stand up to

to confront or resist courageously
to withstand or endure (wear, criticism, etc)

adjective stand-up (prenominal)

having or being in an erect positiona stand-up collar

done, performed, taken, etc, while standinga stand-up meal

(of comedy or a comedian) performed or performing solo

informal (of a boxer) having an aggressive style without much leg movementa stand-up fighter

noun stand-up

a stand-up comedian

stand-up comedy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with stand-up

stand up

Remain valid, sound, or durable, as in His claim will not stand up in court, or Our old car stood up well over time. [Mid-1900s]

Fail to keep a date or appointment with, as in Al stood her up twice in the past week, and that will be the end of their relationship. [Colloquial; c. 1900] Also see stand up for; stand up to; stand up with.