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Synonyms

stand-up

American  
[stand-uhp] / ˈstændˌʌp /
Or standup

adjective

  1. standing erect or upright, as a collar.

  2. performed, taken, etc., while one stands.

    a stand-up meal.

  3. designed for or requiring a standing position.

    a stand-up lunch counter.

  4. (of a fight) characterized by the rapid exchange of many blows with little attention given to defensive maneuvering.

  5. (of a person) characterized by an erect or bold stance.

  6. Baseball. (of a double or triple) pertaining to a hit that allows the hitter to reach the base safely without having to slide.

  7. relating to or noting a performance by a comedian delivering a monologue while alone on the stage.

    stand-up comedy;

    the best stand-up comics.

  8. Slang. loyal and dependable.

    He seems to be a real stand-up guy.


noun

  1. comedy in which a comedian delivers a monologue while alone on the stage.

    We bought tickets to see some stand-up at a club downtown.

  2. a comedian who delivers such monologues.

    I've been a stand-up for about five years.

stand up British  

verb

  1. (intr) to rise to the feet

  2. (intr) to resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc

  3. informal (tr) to fail to keep an appointment with, esp intentionally

    1. to support, side with, or defend

    2. to serve as best man for (the groom) at a wedding

    1. to confront or resist courageously

    2. to withstand or endure (wear, criticism, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. having or being in an erect position

    a stand-up collar

  2. done, performed, taken, etc, while standing

    a stand-up meal

  3. (of comedy or a comedian) performed or performing solo

  4. informal (of a boxer) having an aggressive style without much leg movement

    a stand-up fighter

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a stand-up comedian

  2. stand-up comedy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
stand up Idioms  
  1. Remain valid, sound, or durable, as in His claim will not stand up in court , or Our old car stood up well over time . [Mid-1900s]

  2. Fail to keep a date or appointment with, as in Al stood her up twice in the past week, and that will be the end of their relationship . [ Colloquial ; c. 1900] Also see stand up for ; stand up to ; stand up with .


Etymology

Origin of stand-up

First recorded in 1580–90; adjective and noun use of verb phrase stand up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Trying stand-up, like all her career moves, seems like a gamble but, she notes, it’s a “calculated risk.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ultimately, whether you come to Coffee Confessionals seeking real advice, community and connection or stand-up performances, laughter itself is therapeutic, the evening’s MC, Marie, says.

From Los Angeles Times

Because your stand-up feels more one-on-one than the standard comedy special.

From Los Angeles Times

"I've tried antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, benzos, sleeping pills and stimulants, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy... tai chi, reiki, meditation, veganism, art therapy and music therapy," the former stand-up comedian said.

From Barron's

Born in 1975 to working-class parents in Essex, east of London, Brand began his stand-up career as a teenager, eventually working as an MTV presenter and host of a reality TV series.

From Barron's