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

Compared with the Atlantic and Pacific, the Indian Ocean has been historically understudied in part because of a lack of resources in the region. —Byvaishnavi Chandrashekhar, science.org, 17 July 2024

Researchers and hobbyist wildlife watchers have focused on other areas in southern Arizona, and Ragan believes the Atascosa Highlands have been understudied. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024

Noun

That’s not to say that World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev are understudies. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

Weaver worked as an assistant stage manager and understudy. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 30 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