View synonyms for understudy

understudy

[ uhn-der-stuhd-ee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
to act as understudy to (an actor or actress):
to understudy the lead.

, un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

, plural un·der·stud·ies.

a performer who learns the role of another in order to serve as a replacement if necessary.

understudy

/ ˈʌndəˌstʌdɪ /

tr to study (a role or part) so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
to act as understudy to (an actor or actress)

an actor or actress who studies a part so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
anyone who is trained to take the place of another in case of need

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study

Some are now calling DSK's faux pas “a kiss of death” for Aubry as it makes her seem like no more than his understudy.

Since then the younger son, James, has stepped forward to understudy.

From Katie Holmes to Anne Hathaway, see our picks for her understudy.

He booked his first audition for understudy in the Tony-award-winning Thoroughly Modern Millie.

He was followed by an understudy, who made an ineffective effort to support his predecessor.

If Lilian were damaged somebody else could supply her place, but we havent any understudy for Lilians clothes!

And yet she's rather like Gipsy, just like enough to be a kind of pale copy—an understudy, in fact.

"It'll do—for an understudy," said Bertram softly, for Billy's ears alone.

He halted for a moment and then bawled out in a great voice, "Understudy!"

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