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

see also:

stand in with

Synonyms of stand-in

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

New Zealand was put into bat by stand-in captain Joe Root, who was hoping his inexperienced attack could exploit the moisture in the pitch after drizzle delayed the start for 30 minutes. — ABC News, 17 June 2026

The Bootleg Cut includes additional character moments, like protagonist and Crowe stand-in William (Patrick Fugit) making a habit of stealing little items from hotel rooms. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026

Verb

Fans for Brazil and Scotland stood in line outside the park, hoping for a chance to get through before the game concludes. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Locals and tourists hang out on the beach, eat ice cream cones on the promenade, and stand in line for the famed Cyclone roller coaster. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026

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

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