stand-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈstand-ˌin 

1

: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied

2

: substitute

stand in

2 of 2

verb

stood in; standing in; stands in

intransitive verb

: to act as a stand-in

see also:

stand in with

Synonyms of stand-in

Noun

• substitute
• replacement

Verb

• substitute
• fill in
• step in
• take over

Examples of stand-in in a Sentence

Noun

hired him at the last minute as a stand-in for the person who quit

Verb

she will be standing in for the regular teacher for a week

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

More comparisons show up in an Allrecipes roundup of Aldi copycats, which flags Clancy’s Original Potato Chips as an alternative to Lay’s and Choceur Peanut Butter Cups as a stand-in for Reese’s. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026

Rogers makes for a wickedly shrewd Ericka, a new student from Ohio and our Cady Heron stand-in. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026

Ultron has spent the whole series standing in the wings and baiting Vision, challenging his decisions and beliefs. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stand-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

stand-in

1 of 2 noun

ˈstan-ˌdin

1

: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied

2

: substitute entry 1

stand in

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)stan-ˈdin

: to act as a stand-in