standby

or stand-by

[ stand-bahy ]

noun

, plural stand·bys.

1. a staunch supporter or adherent; one who can be relied upon.
2. something upon which one can rely and therefore choose or use regularly.
3. something or someone held ready to serve as a substitute, especially a radio or television program used as a filler in case of cancellation of a regularly scheduled program.
4. a traveler who is waiting for last-minute accommodations to become available on a plane, train, or other transport as a result of a cancellation.

adjective

1. kept readily available for use in an emergency, shortage, or the like:

   a standby player.

2. of or relating to last-minute accommodations, the transport that offers them, or a traveler who is waiting for them:

   a standby flight.

3. of or relating to a waiting period.

Word History and Origins

Origin of standby¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; noun, adj. use of verb phrase stand by

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on standby, in a state of readiness to act, respond, or be used immediately when needed.

Example Sentences

Congress has granted presidents broad power to declare national emergencies at their discretion, unlocking standby powers that include redirecting funds lawmakers had appropriated for other purposes.

From New York Times

Shops and the stock market opened late on Thursday to reduce traffic congestion, and authorities adjusted public transport operating hours and put more than a dozen spare trains on standby in case of breakdowns.

From BBC

Both sides have armies of lawyers on standby for legal challenges on and after election day.

From BBC

Taiwan’s defence ministry put 36,000 soldiers on standby for potential rescue efforts.

From BBC

"Our local teams are on standby and ready to respond quickly to support our customers," he added.

From BBC