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

After years of working at the venue, the unlikely understudy took centre stage in the dame role of Sherie Trifle at the near sold-out performance.

From BBC

Therefore I propose that someone with a keen sense of the theatrical, a talent for mimicry and improvising dialogue—a playwright, perhaps?—be engaged as an understudy to the ghost, as it were.”

From Literature

As Duncan warmed up more than two hours before kickoff, Nico Iamaleava stood behind his understudy, wearing sunglasses and the hood of his windbreaker pulled over his head.

From Los Angeles Times

Daniel Jones also spent time last season as an understudy in Minnesota and is now having a career season with the Indianapolis Colts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hurst has put together a breakthrough junior season after being a two-year understudy to Jackson Kollock, who is now at Minnesota.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backup
• stand-in