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
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
Hopkins found that calling early, and within a decade of graduating from college he was understudying for Laurence Olivier at London’s National Theatre.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 24, 2021
Lawson, on the lookout for models, had discovered a girl who was understudying at one of the theatres, and in order to induce her to sit to him arranged a little luncheon-party one Sunday.
From Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
