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

Jackson understudied in the first Broadway staging of the play after originating the work at Yale Repertory Theatre in 1987. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2024

Since May 2023, she’s been starring as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the national touring company of Wicked, having previously understudied the role a few years prior. —Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023

Noun

If the Egypt international signs a new deal, Doak could become his understudy, although the signing of Federico Chiesa knocked him down the pecking order. —Andy Jones, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

With the leadership mantle passing from the former president to his understudy, Mondale offered a laudatory summation of the Carter administration. —Mark Barabak, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2025

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