always used before a noun
1
a
: done by a performer who is standing alone on a stage
stand-up comedy
a stand-up act/routine
b
: performing stand-up comedy
a stand-up comedian/comic
2
: done in or requiring a standing position
a stand-up lunch/bar
3
: designed to stand upright
a stand-up collar
4
US, informal
: able to be trusted and respected : very good, loyal, etc.
His friends say he's a real stand-up (kind of) guy.
5
British
: involving very angry or violent behavior
a stand-up fight/argument
plural stand-ups
1
: stand-up comedy
I've always wanted to try stand-up.
2
: a performer who does stand-up comedy : a stand-up comedian
a talented stand-up
Cite this Entry
“Stand-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/stand-up. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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