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
• backbone
• mainstay
• reliance
• pillar

Verb

• keep (to)
• abide by
• hold to
• live up to
• defend
• stick (to or with)
• adhere (to)
• cling (to)

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

Club staff had ponchos on standby and handed them out to everyone, but if the weather is a factor, come prepared with jackets. —Joseph Hernandez august 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025

The aircraft was pre-positioned from Auckland to Christchurch on Sunday, with a crew on standby for a weather window. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Privacy - Terms protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms After passengers were let off after 6.5 hours, they were told to reboard the same plane hours later, before new standby passengers were added, causing a further 30-minute delay. —Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

With inflation easing, the IMF extending a new standby facility, and consumer confidence showing early signs of recovery, Islamabad stands to benefit from capital inflows — especially if backed by American political support. —Jack Rosen, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025

Adverb

Others criticized the family for having the girl flying standby. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 29 July 2025

Multiple relatives, including the original poster (OP), were flying standby on the same route home, which included a layover. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025

Verb

The caller said the assailant ran to a garage, then returned and stood by the victim in an apparent attempt to render aid. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2025

Teddy Bridgewater appeared to stand by his decisions as head football coach of Miami Northwestern High School, which ultimately resulted in the NFL quarterback being suspended after leading the team to a state championship. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for standby

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

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