understudy
verb (used with object)
to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
understudying
-
present participleof understudy.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
And the next day, I got cast understudying Faith Prince and Kate Nelligan in “Bad Habits,” a play at the Manhattan Theatre Club.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 24, 2025
Forbach had been understudying before being promoted to Rapunzel’s Prince for the touring production.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 16, 2023
Now graduated, Shavit-Lonstein works two day jobs while “swinging” — understudying multiple roles — in “Winnie the Pooh” at StoryBook Theater in Kirkland.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 6, 2022
It was there where Poitier was given the role of understudying Harry Belafonte in "Days of our Youth."
From Fox News ● Jan. 7, 2022
She had been engaged, in my little drama, for the part of "leading juvenile," with the privilege of understudying the heroine.
From The Princess Passes by A. M. (Alice Muriel) Williamson
