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

Not so for Jay Armstrong Johnson and understudy Jerica Exum as Christian and Satine. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025

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

Noun

Moore has a stellar arm and should be well-versed in the playbook after spending last season as Dillon Gabriel’s understudy. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025

Thierno Barry will serve as understudy to Beto at least initially as Everton look to address their chronic shortage of goals, while Jack Grealish has joined on an expensive loan deal from Manchester City. —Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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