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

Now, understudy David Semark will take over the role for the tour, which runs from Wednesday to July 27. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024

Schumer continued by saying that women’s bodies are historically understudied and urged her fans to read All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen to learn more. —Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024

Noun

Deadline marvels at Staunton’s stamina but wonders how often her understudy will fill in for her during the limited 10-week run at the 2,200-seat Palladium. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 July 2024

Does Kamala start looking more viable? Vice President Kamala Harris is the most logical understudy for the nomination. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1874, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined above

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