understudy

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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 production also includes a swing performer, Jimmy Donohue, who has understudied both roles and is performing at some of the morning shows or when Davenport or Wascavage are indisposed. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Feb. 2026

O’Hara began her comedy career as a member of the legendary Second City in her native Toronto, understudying for eventual Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner and helping to form the offshoot Second City Television (SCTV). —Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026

Noun

Garza, Queta’s primary understudy while Nikola Vucevic’s fractured ring finger heals, continued the trend early in the second quarter, converting three layups in a three-minute span. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026

Due to the longevity of the show, the understudies have been given a lot of time to learn the roles and lines. —Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

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