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

Also displaying massive versatility is Summer Severin, who, in addition to being an ensemble swing member, serves as dance captain and understudies the role of Marlena. — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The versatile actress stood by or understudied for the likes of Stockard Channing, Judi Dench, Jessica Lange, Marian Seldes, Blythe Danner and Jessica Lange during her long stage career. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026

Noun

McCaffrey’s understudy, third-round rookie Kaelon Black, entered the game on the 49ers’ fifth offensive snap, then was in the offensive huddle to start San Francisco’s second offensive series. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Susannah Perkins will replace Steele in October, while Josh Tobin and Sarin Monae West serve as understudies. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 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