understudy

[ uhn-der-stuhd-ee ]

/ ˈʌn dərˌstʌd i /

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See synonyms for: understudy / understudied / understudying on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.

to act as understudy to (an actor or actress): to understudy the lead.

verb (used without object), un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

to act or work as an understudy.

noun, plural un·der·stud·ies.

a performer who learns the role of another in order to serve as a replacement if necessary.

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Origin of understudy

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study

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

How to use understudy in a sentence

“The institution of marraige [sic] is under attack in our society and it needs to be strengthened,” Bush wrote.
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
She completed a yoga teacher-training program and, in the spring of 2008, went on a retreat in Peru to study with shamans.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In fact, in a recent study of their users internationally, it was the lowest priority for most.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It is grandstanding for a right rarely protected unless under immediate attack.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

But in the case of black women, another study found no lack of interest.
The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Under the one-sixth they appear as slender, highly refractive fibers with double contour and, often, curled or split ends.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
The Pontellier and Ratignolle compartments adjoined one another under the same roof.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
"There's just one thing I'd like to ask, if you don't mind," said Cynthia, coming suddenly out of a brown study.
The Boarded-Up House|Augusta Huiell Seaman
The Majesty on high has a colony and a people on earth, which otherwise is under the supremacy of the Evil One.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway
Poor Squinty ran and tried to hide under the straw, for he knew the boy was talking about him.
Squinty the Comical Pig|Richard Barnum

British Dictionary definitions for understudy

understudy

/ (ˈʌndəˌstʌdɪ) /

verb -studies, -studying or -studied

(tr) to study (a role or part) so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary

to act as understudy to (an actor or actress)

noun plural -studies

an actor or actress who studies a part so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary

anyone who is trained to take the place of another in case of need

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

understudy

Origin of understudy

Words related to understudy

How to use understudy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for understudy