understudy

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​study ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē 

ˌən-dər-ˈstə-

understudied; understudying; understudies

intransitive verb

: to study another actor's part in order to substitute in an emergency

transitive verb

: to prepare (a part or character) as understudy

also : to prepare as understudy to (an actor)

understudy

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​study ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē 

: one who is prepared to act another's part or take over another's duties

Examples of understudy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This umbrella review doesn't just find widespread flaws in existing research, but shows how understudied the topic of pregnancy and common over-the-counter drugs is. —New Atlas, 9 Nov. 2025

McCaffrey breached 100 rushing yards for the first time since 2023 (24 carries, 129 yards, two touchdowns), and understudy Brian Robinson added a season-high 36 yards. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025

Noun

However, future Hall of Famer Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger, and finding Williams’ understudy has to be a priority this offseason. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025

Farwell was Brynner’s unofficial understudy for 1,246 performances of the original Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I from 1951-54 and the official understudy for another 207 shows in 1985 — yet never got to replace him as the King of Siam. —Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1874, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for understudy

• bloody
• buddy
• cuddy
• muddy
• ruddy
• scudi
• study
• restudy

Kids Definition

understudy

verb

un·​der·​study

ˈən-dər-ˌstəd-ē, 

ˌən-dər-ˈstəd-ē

: to study another actor's part in order to be his or her substitute in an emergency

understudy noun