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

Phrases

stand in with

: to be in a specially favored position with

Synonyms

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

Small in the frame and surrounded by vast, shadowy rock, the picture is a stand-in symbol on how these ancient animals now face mounting threats in an increasingly uncertain environment. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

This viral moment suggests that, for many, the right flatmate might just be the perfect stand-in family member. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Verb

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the last men standing in the Wimbledon final, revving up for another edition of their growing rivalry on the biggest stage in the sport. —The Athletic Tennis Staff, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Michigan's oldest surviving lighthouse stands in Port Huron along the Lake Huron coast, Fort Gratiot Lighthouse built in 1829. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 10 July 2025

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
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

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