Definition of standby
standbys
play \-ˌbīz\1a : one to be relied on especially in emergenciesb : 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
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Examples of standby in a Sentence
More police officers were sent as standbys.
We bought an electric generator as a standby.
First Known Use of standby
1796
standby
Definition of standby
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
First Known Use of standby
1872
standby
Definition of standby
: on a standby basis fly standby
First Known Use of standby
1971
STANDBY Defined for English Language Learners
standby
playDefinition of standby for English Language Learners
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: a person or thing that is available especially in emergencies
standby
Definition of standby for English Language Learners
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: relating to or traveling by an airline service in which the passenger must wait for an available seat
Learn More about standby
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See words that rhyme with standby Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for standby Nglish: Translation of standby for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of standby for Arabic speakers
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