STANDBY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does standby mean? 

• STANDBY (noun)
  The noun STANDBY has 2 senses:

1. something that can be relied on when needed

2. an actor able to replace a regular performer when required

  Familiarity information: STANDBY used as a noun is rare.

• STANDBY (adjective)
  The adjective STANDBY has 1 sense:

1. ready for emergency use

  Familiarity information: STANDBY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• STANDBY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Something that can be relied on when needed

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("standby" is a kind of...):

thing (an artifact)

Derivation:

stand by (be available or ready for a certain function or service)

Sense 2

Meaning:

An actor able to replace a regular performer when required

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

standby; understudy

Hypernyms ("standby" is a kind of...):

actor; histrion; player; role player; thespian (a theatrical performer)

Derivation:

stand by (be available or ready for a certain function or service)

• STANDBY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Ready for emergency use

Context example:

a standby crew

Similar:

secondary (being of second rank or importance or value; not direct or immediate)