understudy

[ uhn-der-stuhd-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

1. to act or work as an understudy.

noun

, plural un·der·stud·ies.

1. a performer who learns the role of another in order to serve as a replacement if necessary.

understudy

/ 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)

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of understudy¹

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study

Example Sentences

Seeing Michael do it was not a shock either, because I cast all of my understudies.

From Washington Blade

For the most part, these secondary currencies will play the role of understudy to Nielsen’s measurements.

From Digiday

This is especially impressive on Maksoud’s part, having stepped into the main role he was an understudy for just days before curtain up.

From The Daily Beast

He made his Broadway debut in 1955, rising from extra to understudy for star Paul Muni in “Inherit the Wind.”

From Washington Post

Two years later, a reporter asked Brees whether he would have been okay with Mahomes as his understudy.

From Washington Post

Some are now calling DSK's faux pas “a kiss of death” for Aubry as it makes her seem like no more than his understudy.

From The Daily Beast

Since then the younger son, James, has stepped forward to understudy.

From The Daily Beast

From Katie Holmes to Anne Hathaway, see our picks for her understudy.

From The Daily Beast

He booked his first audition for understudy in the Tony-award-winning Thoroughly Modern Millie.

From The Daily Beast

He was followed by an understudy, who made an ineffective effort to support his predecessor.

From Project Gutenberg

If Lilian were damaged somebody else could supply her place, but we havent any understudy for Lilians clothes!

From Project Gutenberg

And yet she's rather like Gipsy, just like enough to be a kind of pale copy—an understudy, in fact.

From Project Gutenberg

"It'll do—for an understudy," said Bertram softly, for Billy's ears alone.

From Project Gutenberg

He halted for a moment and then bawled out in a great voice, "Understudy!"

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backup
• stand-in