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

The Americans have more than four thousand US Marines on ships heading to the Gulf, paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne on standby and are discussing further reinforcements.

From BBC

While previous methods depended on high-powered lasers, this effect can be triggered with microwatts of power, far less than what a smartphone uses in standby mode.

From Science Daily

Taiwan has placed coal-fired units at Hsinta Power Plant—the island’s oldest coal-fired power plant—on standby.

From The Wall Street Journal

That routine was becoming normal, he said, though the engine crew was being kept on standby, ready to "fire up our engines" in case of emergency.

From Barron's

Wiltshire Council said teams are on standby to offer more support to struggling residents, as about 8% of the county's population relies on heating oil, compared with the national average of 3%.

From BBC