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

SpongeBob is the obvious stand-in for Odysseus, while King Neptune fills the role of Poseidon, the vengeful god of the sea. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

Its main subject seems to be Tim’s malaise—and, perhaps, a broader contemporary malaise for which Tim’s is meant to be a stand-in. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Verb

At the time of the killing, detectives noted a spot of wet blood on a television stand in Chavez’s bedroom, according to the affidavit obtained by the Star-Telegram. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

Meanwhile, mortgage rates continue to stand in the way for many potential homebuyers. — Sacbee.com, 22 July 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