understudy

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​study ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē How to pronounce understudy (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈstə-
understudied; understudying; understudies

intransitive verb

: to study another actor's part in order to substitute in an emergency

transitive verb

: to prepare (a part or character) as understudy
also : to prepare as understudy to (an actor)

understudy

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​study ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē How to pronounce understudy (audio)
: one who is prepared to act another's part or take over another's duties

Examples of understudy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
However, the contract fell short of all that the union wanted to achieve and members continued to voice concerns about the demands placed on swings, or actors who understudy several ensemble roles, among other issues. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 But what has been unclear is what will happen to the intensity of these storms, which have tended to be understudied, Mann said. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Noun
After studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse in the 1960's, Keaton ended up an understudy in the original Broadway production of the rock musical Hair. Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 12 Oct. 2025 After studying acting at Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, Keaton was cast as the understudy for the character of Sheila in the original Broadway production of Hair in 1968. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understudy

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1874, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understudy was in 1874

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

understudy

verb
un·​der·​study
ˈən-dər-ˌstəd-ē,
ˌən-dər-ˈstəd-ē
: to study another actor's part in order to be his or her substitute in an emergency
understudy noun

More from Merriam-Webster on understudy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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