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standby - 2 dictionary results

stand⋅by

[stand-bahy] noun, plural -bys, adjective
–noun
1. a staunch supporter or adherent; one who can be relied upon.
2. something upon which one can rely and therefore choose or use regularly.
3. something or someone held ready to serve as a substitute, esp. a radio or television program used as a filler in case of cancellation of a regularly scheduled program.
4. a traveler who is waiting for last-minute accommodations to become available on a plane, train, or other transport as a result of a cancellation.
–adjective
5. kept readily available for use in an emergency, shortage, or the like: a standby player.
6. of or pertaining to last-minute accommodations, the transport that offers them, or a traveler who is waiting for them: a standby flight.
7. of or pertaining to a waiting period. Also, stand by.
8. on standby, in a state of readiness to act, respond, or be used immediately when needed.

Origin:
1790–1800; n., adj. use of v. phrase stand by
stand·by   (stānd'bī')   
n.   pl. stand·bys
  1. One that can always be relied on, as in an emergency.
  2. A favorite or frequent choice.
  3. One kept in readiness to serve as a substitute.
adj.  
  1. Kept in reserve for use when needed: a standby generator.
  2. Of, relating to, or waiting for unreserved travel space that is made available by an airline only shortly before departure: standby passengers.
adv.  On a standby basis: flew standby to New York.
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