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

Explanation

In the theater, an understudy is a backup or alternate for another actor in the play. If the lead in the school play comes down with the flu, her understudy will have a chance to perform the starring role. The show must go on (as they say in show business)—which is why an understudy has an important job. He or she has to learn every line and be ready to fill at the last minute. You can also use this word as a verb, so you might say, "I'm going to understudy the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton!" An understudy often plays a smaller role in the play as well, filling in for main roles as needed.

Example Sentences

The idea of having Foden as Kane's central striking understudy is now a non-starter after the experiment of using him as a false nine against Japan was cut short after less than an hour.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

He snatched provisional top spot in beautiful, sunny conditions, but could only watch with bated breath as his understudy took to the start hut.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

That was also when the Seahawks understood that Smith-Njigba was underutilized as Metcalf’s understudy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

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 • Jan. 12, 2026

"Maybe Chantal can be my understudy, Kareena?" she asks, her African accent swinging back and forth like a bell.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• backup
• stand-in