2
: performed in, performing in, or requiring a standing position
a stand-up bar
especially
: of, relating to, performing, or being a monologue of jokes, gags, or satirical comments delivered usually while standing alone on a stage or in front of a camera
stand-up comedy
a stand-up comedian
3
: marked by a high degree of personal integrity or loyalty
a stand-up guy
1
: stand-up comedy
also
: a performer of such comedy
2
: a television broadcast in which the reporter or narrator faces the camera with the scene of the story in the background
stood up; standing up; stands up
1
: to rise to a standing position
2
: to remain sound and intact under stress, attack, or close scrutiny
: to fail to keep an appointment with
Synonyms
Examples of stand-up in a Sentence
Verb
a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis
Recent Examples on the Web
Todd Longwell, Variety, 29 Nov. 2023
The lake is active but not busy, according to the offices of LUXE real estate agency, with a balance of boaters, kayakers and people on stand-up paddleboards.
—Lauren Beale, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
The sunny skies and mild temperatures make the perfect atmosphere for biking around the vineyards, getting out on the lake for some stand-up paddleboarding, and meandering through the vines of the approximately 50 vineyards.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
There are gorgeous beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding.
—Lindsay Cohn, Parents, 28 Nov. 2023
The character was inspired by co-creator David’s real neighbor, stand-up comedian Kenny Kramer.
—Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023
Amusements often feels like stand-up comedy or vaudevillian variety show, but the twinkle in its performer’s eye is just peculiar enough to keep us guessing.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2023
Trevor Wallace, a rising star of L.A.’s comedy’s boom, started his journey in stand-up on the strength of a local newspaper clipping.
—Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023
It was announced earlier this year that Golden Globes will be presented in two new categories: best stand-up comedian on television and cinematic/box office achievement.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Nov. 2023
Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2023
Kemp’s infectious smile and, by all accounts, stand-up status as a teammate put him on the list.
—James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023
John Mulaney is making a comeback to stand-up with his latest special, John Mulaney: Baby J. (His last special was released five years ago in 2018.
—Amanda Curran, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2023
Amazon Prime Video's comedy that follows the life of a stand-up comedian in the 1960s will end with its fifth season, which premieres on April 14.
—Brendan Morrow, The Week, 20 Mar. 2023
Sandler did his first stand-up at 17 at an open mic in Boston.
—Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2023
Rodgers said that Hawk suggested McAfee as an emergency fill-in for a golf tournament team, and McAfee agreed to do it even while in the midst of a stand-up comedy tour.
—Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2023
President Zelensky, the most important person standing up for freedom, was a stand-up comic.
—Rob Tannenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2023
In addition, Laugh Out Loud Radio on SiriusXM will exclusively premiere Bernie Mac’s first-ever solo full-length stand-up album.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Mar. 2023
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2023
However, whether Benko’s position will continue to stand up to comparison with a monarchy and the Catholic Church remains to be seen.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2023
Norberto was a proud Puerto Rican man, according to Soto, who taught his daughter how to stand up for what is right.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2023
For Strafford, standing up for herself doesn't come naturally for her.
—Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 30 Nov. 2023
Inventive solutions: Some people have built off-the-grid homes from trash to stand up to a changing climate.
—Brady Dennis, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023
There are plenty of fine tool brands out there, but Milwaukee power tools last longer and stand up to more abuse.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2023
On the unscripted side, there are four original formats coming up from Banijay Asia labels, starting with a stand up comedy show, Dhar said.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Nov. 2023
The natural beechwood legs feature a protective coating that stands up to sap and is also gentle on floors.
—Casey Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023
See More
Adjective
In addition to a top-to-bottom organization overall, the Golden Globes has added two new categories for its next awards, for cinematic and box office achievement and stand-up comedy performance on television.
—Todd Longwell, Variety, 29 Nov. 2023
The lake is active but not busy, according to the offices of LUXE real estate agency, with a balance of boaters, kayakers and people on stand-up paddleboards.
—Lauren Beale, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
The sunny skies and mild temperatures make the perfect atmosphere for biking around the vineyards, getting out on the lake for some stand-up paddleboarding, and meandering through the vines of the approximately 50 vineyards.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
There are gorgeous beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding.
—Lindsay Cohn, Parents, 28 Nov. 2023
The character was inspired by co-creator David’s real neighbor, stand-up comedian Kenny Kramer.
—Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023
Amusements often feels like stand-up comedy or vaudevillian variety show, but the twinkle in its performer’s eye is just peculiar enough to keep us guessing.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2023
Trevor Wallace, a rising star of L.A.’s comedy’s boom, started his journey in stand-up on the strength of a local newspaper clipping.
—Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023
It was announced earlier this year that Golden Globes will be presented in two new categories: best stand-up comedian on television and cinematic/box office achievement.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Nov. 2023
Noun
In this post-season glow, performing stand-up across the country, the two cast members were about to conjure two of their most popular characters on the show.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2023
Kemp’s infectious smile and, by all accounts, stand-up status as a teammate put him on the list.
—James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023
John Mulaney is making a comeback to stand-up with his latest special, John Mulaney: Baby J. (His last special was released five years ago in 2018.
—Amanda Curran, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2023
Amazon Prime Video's comedy that follows the life of a stand-up comedian in the 1960s will end with its fifth season, which premieres on April 14.
—Brendan Morrow, The Week, 20 Mar. 2023
Sandler did his first stand-up at 17 at an open mic in Boston.
—Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2023
Rodgers said that Hawk suggested McAfee as an emergency fill-in for a golf tournament team, and McAfee agreed to do it even while in the midst of a stand-up comedy tour.
—Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2023
President Zelensky, the most important person standing up for freedom, was a stand-up comic.
—Rob Tannenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2023
In addition, Laugh Out Loud Radio on SiriusXM will exclusively premiere Bernie Mac’s first-ever solo full-length stand-up album.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Mar. 2023
Verb
Like the lug-sole boot, a pair of chunky loafers ensures that this workwear outfit stands up to the elements in style.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2023
However, whether Benko’s position will continue to stand up to comparison with a monarchy and the Catholic Church remains to be seen.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2023
Norberto was a proud Puerto Rican man, according to Soto, who taught his daughter how to stand up for what is right.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2023
For Strafford, standing up for herself doesn't come naturally for her.
—Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 30 Nov. 2023
Inventive solutions: Some people have built off-the-grid homes from trash to stand up to a changing climate.
—Brady Dennis, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023
There are plenty of fine tool brands out there, but Milwaukee power tools last longer and stand up to more abuse.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2023
On the unscripted side, there are four original formats coming up from Banijay Asia labels, starting with a stand up comedy show, Dhar said.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Nov. 2023
The natural beechwood legs feature a protective coating that stands up to sap and is also gentle on floors.
—Casey Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stand-up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
Adjective
1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1b
Noun
1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of stand-up was
before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near stand-up
Cite this Entry
“Stand-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand-up. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
stand up
verb1
: to rise to a standing position
2
: to remain in good condition
stands up to repeated washings
3
: to fail to keep an appointment with
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