un·der·study
ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē 
ˌən-dər-ˈstə-
understudied; understudying; understudies
: to study another actor's part in order to substitute in an emergency
: to prepare (a part or character) as understudy
also
: to prepare as understudy to (an actor)
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
Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Parker joined Annie as July, one of the orphans in the ensemble, and understudied the title role for a year before taking it over.
—Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Replacing Ryan Nembhard at point guard is Braeden Smith, the 2024 Patriot League Player of the Year who was the rare transfer willing to actually sit out a year, learning the Gonzaga way as Nembhard’s understudy.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
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Verb
Their most intriguing prospects are a pair of teenage goaltenders who are currently understudying with their national teams at the 2025 IIHF world championship: Frozen Four winner Hampton Slukynsky of Western Michigan university with Team USA and Carter George with Team Canada.
—Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Parker joined Annie as July, one of the orphans in the ensemble, and understudied the title role for a year before taking it over.
—Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
Vita was also there in August of 1975 when leading lady Verdon left the show for five weeks for throat surgery and Liza Minnelli became her understudy.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Replacing Ryan Nembhard at point guard is Braeden Smith, the 2024 Patriot League Player of the Year who was the rare transfer willing to actually sit out a year, learning the Gonzaga way as Nembhard’s understudy.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
Cite this Entry
“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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