understudy
[ uhn-der-stuhd-ee ]
/ ˈʌn dərˌstʌd i /
verb (used with object), un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.
to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
to act as understudy to (an actor or actress): to understudy the lead.
verb (used without object), un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.
to act or work as an understudy.
noun, plural un·der·stud·ies.
a performer who learns the role of another in order to serve as a replacement if necessary.
Nearby words
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for understudy
British Dictionary definitions for understudy
understudy
/ (ˈʌndəˌstʌdɪ) /
verb -studies, -studying or -studied
(tr) to study (a role or part) so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
to act as understudy to (an actor or actress)
noun plural -studies
an actor or actress who studies a part so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
anyone who is trained to take the place of another in case of need
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for understudy
understudy
also under-study, 1852, in the theatrical sense, from under + study (v.). The noun is attested from 1848, translating Italian supplimento.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper