stand-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈstand-ˌin 

1

: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied

2

: substitute

stand in

2 of 2

verb

stood in; standing in; stands in

intransitive verb

: to act as a stand-in

Phrases

stand in with

: to be in a specially favored position with

Synonyms

Noun

• backup
• cover
• designated hitter
• fill-in
• locum tenens
• pinch hitter
• relief
• replacement
• reserve
• sub
• substitute

Verb

• cover
• fill in
• pinch-hit
• step in
• sub
• substitute
• take over

Examples of stand-in in a Sentence

Noun

hired him at the last minute as a stand-in for the person who quit

Verb

she will be standing in for the regular teacher for a week

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Breaking out as a stand-in for a young Steven Spielberg in his Universal film The Fabelmans, he’s also been seen in titles like Snack Shack and The Predator, as well as Showtime’s American Gigolo. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024

In this case, that prize was a bronze owl buried as a stand-in for a more precious version forged from 6 pounds 10 oz of gold and 15 pounds 7 oz of silver with diamond chips encrusted onto its face. —Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

So let Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Black’s directorial debut, stand in for all of the above in part because Christmas is so central, narratively and thematically, to its plot. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024

Police stand in front of the Brazilian Supreme Court after explosions in the Three Powers Square in Brasilia, Brazil, on Nov. 13, 2024. —Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stand-in

1 of 2 noun

ˈstan-ˌdin

1

: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied

2

: substitute entry 1

stand in

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)stan-ˈdin

: to act as a stand-in