understudy

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​study ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē How to pronounce understudy (audio)
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 How to pronounce understudy (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Amid the growing bedbug panic, Pietri wasn’t the only scientist who started wondering whether bedbugs’ potential as disease vectors had been understudied. Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024 Yet experts say pollen has been understudied in Arizona. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
Noun
Hawkins, who is currently studying musical theater at Pace University in New York, is joining the Broadway cast as an understudy for Anita, a principal role. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 9 Dec. 2024 Thirty-four states have posted record-low unemployment during President Joe Biden’s term, with Harris as his loyal understudy. Philip Elliott / Detroit, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for understudy 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1874, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understudy was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near understudy

Cite this Entry

“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on understudy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!