understudy
verb (used with object)
to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
understudies
-
pluralof understudy.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
-
present tense formof understudy (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
understudyverb (used with object)to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Viewers watch as Jeanine intellectualizes each character’s motivations and inner thoughts, dictating them to the performers onstage and their understudies.
From Salon ● Mar. 12, 2025
His understudies, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman, are arguably better than any other goalie in the tournament.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2025
Just as they do on Broadway, UFC called on the understudies.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 10, 2023
Woodward fell in love with “The Hustler” star in 1953 while they were both understudies on Broadway in William Inge’s “Picnic.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2023
There was complete silence in the study, except for the whispers of the clerks and understudies who were at work in an adjoining room.
From The Reign of Greed by Charles E. Derbyshire
