standby

Or stand-by

[stand-bahy]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of standby¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

Example Sentences

That could include turning off radiators in unused rooms, switching off lights when they are not needed, and not leaving electrical appliances on standby.

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Not to mention the old standby, “Do bears live in the woods?”

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The British Red Cross said it has placed its emergency response teams on standby to help communities most at risk.

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Having a power of attorney on the account as a standby doesn’t mean the agent has immediate access.

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"Preparation to supply more food and non-food relief items to the victims is underway," said Murkomen, adding: "Military and police choppers are on standby to transport the items."

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