understudy

[uhn-der-stuhd-ee]

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.

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

/ 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)

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of understudy¹

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study

Example Sentences

The deputy leader is not automatically the deputy prime minister - the official government understudy - and won't be this time.

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He recently analysed just how understudied most other bacteria have been relative to E. coli.

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The Bowl granted him three weeks off for rehearsals in July, where he also understudied as Erivo’s Jesus.

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Which understudy is ready to step onstage as our new arboreal star?

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A solid understudy to Gibson-Park who managed to hold off the challenge of Ben White for Test status.

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Related Words

• backup 
• stand-in