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

So I got to understudy or take her place — I got to join the cast, and Eugene was in it.

From Los Angeles Times

Buckley later turned down an offer to be the understudy to Prenger's Nancy, instead going on to pursue her own role on the London stage.

From BBC

They were looking to go undefeated in AFC West games, and got to 5-0 with an array of understudies, particularly along the offensive line.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• backup
• stand-in