standby

1 of 4

noun

stand·​by ˈstan(d)-ˌbī 

plural standbys ˈstan(d)-ˌbīz 

1

a

: one to be relied on especially in emergencies

b

: a favorite or reliable choice or resource

2

: one that is held in reserve ready for use : substitute

standby

2 of 4

adjective

1

: held near at hand and ready for use

a standby power plant

standby equipment

2

: relating to the act or condition of standing by

standby duty

a standby period

3

: of, relating to, or traveling by an airline service in which the passenger must wait for an available unreserved seat

standby passengers

a standby ticket

standby

3 of 4

adverb

: on a standby basis

fly standby

stand by

4 of 4

verb

stood by; standing by; stands by

intransitive verb

1

: to be present

also : to remain apart or aloof

2

: to be or to get ready to act

an ambulance was standing by

transitive verb

: to remain loyal or faithful to : defend

stood by his decision

Phrases

on standby

: ready or available for immediate action or use

Synonyms

Noun

• anchor
• buttress
• dependence
• dependance
• mainstay
• pillar
• reliance

Verb

• adhere (to)
• cling (to)
• hew (to)
• keep (to)
• stick (to or with)

Examples of standby in a Sentence

Noun

More police officers were sent as standbys.

We bought an electric generator as a standby.

Verb

no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While meal service after Helene had wrapped up in Florida a few days ago, a team remained in place and on standby to ride Milton. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2024

While the show centers around 16 Americans, they are accompanied by 50 others along the way, including the camera crew, a mountain safety team, an obstacle course team and medical personnel on standby. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024

Adjective

More than 38,000 Taiwanese soldiers are on standby to help in case of emergencies. —Chris Lau, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024

His family, wealthy Americans, were keen to whisk him home for treatment, but transport was challenging despite the fact their private plane was on standby; doctors warned there was risk of a stroke at altitude. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2024

Adverb

But for the approximately 750,000 Americans who have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), being away from home—and a familiar bathroom—often feels riskier than flying standby. —Karla Walsh, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2024

Southwest Airlines: Travelers with Southwest flights scheduled to, through and from Cancun (CUN) through Sept. 25 may rebook travel or fly standby for free within 14 days of their original travel dates. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Verb

However, some brands stood by the professional dancer amid the loss. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

In the note, Piper Sandler stood by its year-end S&P 500 target of 5,800. —Karen Gilchrist,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1971, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing standby

• on standby

Kids Definition

standby

1 of 4 noun

stand·​by ˈstan(d)-ˌbī 

plural standbys -ˌbīz 

: one available or to be relied on especially in emergencies

standby

2 of 4 adjective

1

: held near at hand and ready for use

standby equipment

2

: relating to the act of standing by

a standby period

3

: of or relating to a mode of transportation (as airline service) in which the passengers must wait for an available unreserved spot

a standby ticket

standby

3 of 4 adverb

: as a standby passenger

flying standby

stand by

4 of 4 verb

(ˈ)stan(d)-ˈbī

1

: to be present

stood by, watching the game

2

: to be or to get ready to act

ambulances are standing by

3

: to remain loyal or faithful

stood by us to the end

stood by his decision