un·der·study
ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē 
ˌən-dər-ˈstə-
understudied; understudying; understudies
: to study another actor's part in order to substitute in an emergency
: to prepare (a part or character) as understudy
also
: to prepare as understudy to (an actor)
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
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
What has been observed in Iceland has been understudied elsewhere.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025
Dave Quinn, People.com, 23 July 2025
Bishop’s coach Nicole Uhland said 50 students tried out for this year’s team and the top 25 made it, including some understudies.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
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Verb
But what has been unclear is what will happen to the intensity of these storms, which have tended to be understudied, Mann said.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
What has been observed in Iceland has been understudied elsewhere.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025
Noun
The roles of Audrey and Seymour and will be covered by understudies during the interim two weeks.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 23 July 2025
Bishop’s coach Nicole Uhland said 50 students tried out for this year’s team and the top 25 made it, including some understudies.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
Cite this Entry
“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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