stand-up

1 of 3

adjective

ˈstand-ˌəp 

1

a

: erect, upright

b

: stiffened to stay upright without folding over

a stand-up collar

2

: performed in, performing in, or requiring a standing position

a stand-up bar

especially : of, relating to, performing, or being a monologue of jokes, gags, or satirical comments delivered usually while standing alone on a stage or in front of a camera

stand-up comedy

a stand-up comedian

3

: marked by a high degree of personal integrity or loyalty

a stand-up guy

stand-up

2 of 3

noun

1

: stand-up comedy

also : a performer of such comedy

2

: a television broadcast in which the reporter or narrator faces the camera with the scene of the story in the background

stand up

3 of 3

verb

stood up; standing up; stands up

intransitive verb

1

: to rise to a standing position

2

: to remain sound and intact under stress, attack, or close scrutiny

transitive verb

: to fail to keep an appointment with

Phrases

stand up for

: to defend against attack or criticism

stand up to

1

: to meet fairly and fully

2

: to face boldly

stand up with

: to be best man or maid of honor for at a wedding ceremony

Synonyms

Adjective

• decent
• ethical
• honest
• honorable
• just
• noble
• principled
• respectable
• righteous
• upright
• upstanding

Verb

• fly
• hold up
• pass
• wash

Examples of stand-up in a Sentence

Adjective

a real stand-up guy, he's willing to raise the child—by himself if necessary

a puppy with stand-up ears

Verb

a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Rocket’s stand-up has taken him to major festivals like SXSW, Skankfest Vegas, the Boston Comedy Festival, the Aloha Comedy Festival and more. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024

Born and raised in India before immigrating to America, Garg began her stand-up comedy career in 2018, with appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Today. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 17 Dec. 2024

Noun

In this post-season glow, performing stand-up across the country, the two cast members were about to conjure two of their most popular characters on the show. —Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2023

Kemp’s infectious smile and, by all accounts, stand-up status as a teammate put him on the list. —James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023

Verb

Previous administrations have stood up specialized councils via executive orders, executives noted. —Hannah Lang, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024

We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Noun

1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

stand up

verb

1

: to rise to a standing position

2

: to remain in good condition

stands up to repeated washings

3

: to fail to keep an appointment with