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
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
stood up; standing up; stands up
1
: to rise to a standing position
2
: to remain sound and intact under stress, attack, or close scrutiny
: to fail to keep an appointment with
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
Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Peretti was among the first 10 comedians ever to release a Netflix stand-up special.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
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
Tom Piazza
september 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
Some, Book noted, entered the new permanent supportive housing projects the Trust stood up this year — including Hideaway on the Bay in Cutler Bay, where 70-plus formerly homeless seniors now live.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand-up
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Adjective
During this year’s All-Star Weekend, Colson did a stand-up comedy routine, opening for Leslie Jones and Cedric the Entertainer; Brooks dressed her in an all-leather getup from designer Karl Kani, the same designer Dave Chappelle wore in his classic 1993 Just For Laughs set.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Peretti was among the first 10 comedians ever to release a Netflix stand-up special.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
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
Hearing this, John stood up, retrieved the guitar from its stand at the end of the room, brought it back, and handed it to me.
—Tom Piazza
september 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
Some, Book noted, entered the new permanent supportive housing projects the Trust stood up this year — including Hideaway on the Bay in Cutler Bay, where 70-plus formerly homeless seniors now live.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand-up
Cite this Entry
“Stand-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand-up. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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