standby

1 of 4

noun

stand·​by ˈstan(d)-ˌbī 

plural standbys ˈstan(d)-ˌbīz 

1

a

: one to be relied on especially in emergencies

b

: a favorite or reliable choice or resource

2

: one that is held in reserve ready for use : substitute

standby

2 of 4

adjective

1

: held near at hand and ready for use

a standby power plant

standby equipment

2

: relating to the act or condition of standing by

standby duty

a standby period

3

: of, relating to, or traveling by an airline service in which the passenger must wait for an available unreserved seat

standby passengers

a standby ticket

standby

3 of 4

adverb

: on a standby basis

fly standby

stand by

4 of 4

verb

stood by; standing by; stands by

intransitive verb

1

: to be present

also : to remain apart or aloof

2

: to be or to get ready to act

an ambulance was standing by

transitive verb

: to remain loyal or faithful to : defend

stood by his decision

Phrases

on standby

: ready or available for immediate action or use

Synonyms

Noun

• anchor
• buttress
• dependence
• dependance
• mainstay
• pillar
• reliance

Verb

• adhere (to)
• cling (to)
• hew (to)
• keep (to)
• stick (to or with)

Examples of standby in a Sentence

Noun

More police officers were sent as standbys.

We bought an electric generator as a standby.

Verb

no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Emergency response teams are on standby, and residents are encouraged to check for alerts from NWS and local authorities. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

The agency said responders were on standby just four minutes after the flight's pilot reported distress. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2025

Adjective

The watch is powered by the Caliber 1210, which is an innovative electromechanical movement with a power reserve of 8-10 years in daily use and up to 18 years in standby mode. —Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2025

As the festivities leading up to the game ramp up, Hampton said, the department's tactical and civil disturbance units and bicycle response teams will be on standby. —Kristal Dixon, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025

Adverb

But for the approximately 750,000 Americans who have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), being away from home—and a familiar bathroom—often feels riskier than flying standby. —Karla Walsh, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2024

Southwest Airlines: Travelers with Southwest flights scheduled to, through and from Cancun (CUN) through Sept. 25 may rebook travel or fly standby for free within 14 days of their original travel dates. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Verb

Despite her allegations, Vinny stood by his claims that he's also dealt with infidelity at the hands of Angelina. —Esther Kang, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

As the prepares to elect a new chair, outgoing leader says should have stood by in the 2024 race. —Amir Daftari, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1971, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing standby

• on standby

Kids Definition

standby

1 of 4 noun

stand·​by ˈstan(d)-ˌbī 

plural standbys -ˌbīz 

: one available or to be relied on especially in emergencies

standby

2 of 4 adjective

1

: held near at hand and ready for use

standby equipment

2

: relating to the act of standing by

a standby period

3

: of or relating to a mode of transportation (as airline service) in which the passengers must wait for an available unreserved spot

a standby ticket

standby

3 of 4 adverb

: as a standby passenger

flying standby

stand by

4 of 4 verb

(ˈ)stan(d)-ˈbī

1

: to be present

stood by, watching the game

2

: to be or to get ready to act

ambulances are standing by

3

: to remain loyal or faithful

stood by us to the end

stood by his decision