understudy
verb (used with object)
to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
was understudying
-
past progressiveof understudy.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
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
Weeks after graduating, she was understudying Ashanti in “The Wiz” for City Center’s Encores! series.
From New York Times ● Oct. 30, 2019
She began her career at the Teatro Lirico, Milan, in 1934, as Butterfly, only going on in the second half when the soprano she was understudying was taken ill.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 18, 2014
"Sent her a note that I was understudying a man named Carter and to mind to pick up her cues."
From Where There's a Will by Mary Roberts Rinehart
It wasn't hookworm came into the New Orleans stock company where I was understudying leads and getting my chance to play big things.
From The Vertical City by Fannie Hurst
