standby

American  

[stand-bahy] / ˈstændˌbaɪ /

Or stand-by

noun

plural

standbys

1. a staunch supporter or adherent; one who can be relied upon.

2. something upon which one can rely and therefore choose or use regularly.

3. something or someone held ready to serve as a substitute, especially a radio or television program used as a filler in case of cancellation of a regularly scheduled program.

4. a traveler who is waiting for last-minute accommodations to become available on a plane, train, or other transport as a result of a cancellation.

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adjective

1. kept readily available for use in an emergency, shortage, or the like.

   a standby player.

2. of or relating to last-minute accommodations, the transport that offers them, or a traveler who is waiting for them.

   a standby flight.

3. of or relating to a waiting period.

idioms

1. on standby, in a state of readiness to act, respond, or be used immediately when needed.

Etymology

Origin of standby

First recorded in 1790–1800; noun, adj. use of verb phrase stand by

Example Sentences

Angela had used a Post-it note to write down the code for standby passengers who’d received a seat assignment at the last minute, and she’d stuck it to her computer screen.

From Literature

Smith will fly to Sri Lanka as standby in case opener Marsh is unable to take any part in the tournament.

From Barron's

Steve Smith will fly to Sri Lanka as standby in case opener Marsh is unable to take any part in the tournament.

From Barron's

Police with riot helmets could be seen on standby near the demonstration, where some protesters marched waving Palestinian flags.

From Barron's

As locals watched a darkening sky, police patrolled streets empty of all but stray cats, while emergency services stood on standby on the edge of the red zone.

From Barron's