Definition of standby
(Entry 1 of 4)
1a
: 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
on standby
: ready or available for immediate action or use
standby
adjectiveDefinition of standby (Entry 2 of 4)
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
adverbDefinition of standby (Entry 3 of 4)
: on a standby basis
fly standby
stand by
verb
stood by; standing by; stands by
Definition of stand by (Entry 4 of 4)
1
: to be present
also
: to remain apart or aloof
2
: to be or to get ready to act
an ambulance was standing by
: to remain loyal or faithful to : defend
stood by his decision
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for standby
The first known use of standby was in the 13th century
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