understudy

American  

[uhn-der-stuhd-ee] / ˈʌn dərˌstʌd i /

verb (used with object)

understudied, understudying

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

2. to act as understudy to (an actor or actress).

   to understudy the lead.

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verb (used without object)

understudied, understudying

1. to act or work as an understudy.

noun

plural

understudies

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

understudy British  

/ ˈʌndəˌstʌdɪ /

verb

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

2. to act as understudy to (an actor or actress)

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noun

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

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

Etymology

Origin of understudy

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study

Example Sentences

The idea of having Foden as Kane's central striking understudy is now a non-starter after the experiment of using him as a false nine against Japan was cut short after less than an hour.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Reece James is the England number one but Livramento is a very good understudy.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Simply going to the Games as an understudy to Chen’s leading role would have been valuable experience.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

He snatched provisional top spot in beautiful, sunny conditions, but could only watch with bated breath as his understudy took to the start hut.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Things get complicated when a pronoun, like any good understudy, takes on different guises, depending on the roles it plays in the sentence.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• backup
• stand-in