2
sometimes standup
: 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
variants
or less commonly standup
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
need evidence that will stand up in court
informal
: to fail to keep an appointment with
Where were you yesterday? You stood me up.
see also stand up for, stand up to, stand up with
Examples of stand-up in a Sentence
Adjective
a real stand-up guy, he's willing to raise the child—by himself if necessary
a puppy with stand-up ears
Verb
a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis
Recent Examples on the Web
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Comedian Michael Che asks her from the stage while performing stand-up.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
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
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
All-Clad’s innovation was to envelop a disk of highly conductive aluminum in nearly indestructible stainless steel, creating a surface that heats more evenly and can stand up to high temps and general kitchen abuse.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand-up
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Adjective
Cruisers can also rent snorkeling gear, floats, and a selection of water sports gear, including Jet Skis, kayaks, water bikes, and stand-up paddleboards.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Comedian Michael Che asks her from the stage while performing stand-up.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
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
Verb
Plants are pest-free, low-maintenance, and stand up to Southern heat and humidity.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
All-Clad’s innovation was to envelop a disk of highly conductive aluminum in nearly indestructible stainless steel, creating a surface that heats more evenly and can stand up to high temps and general kitchen abuse.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand-up
Cite this Entry
“Stand-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand-up. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
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