understudy
Americanverb (used with object)
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to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
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to act as understudy to (an actor or actress).
to understudy the lead.
verb (used without object)
noun
plural
understudiesverb
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(tr) to study (a role or part) so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
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to act as understudy to (an actor or actress)
noun
-
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
Etymology
Origin of understudy
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.
Simply going to the Games as an understudy to Chen’s leading role would have been valuable experience.
From Los Angeles Times
"The role of astrocytes in central nervous system healing is remarkably understudied," said David Underhill, PhD, chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
From Science Daily
New to the company, a lowly understudy to an understudy.
From Literature
So I got to understudy or take her place — I got to join the cast, and Eugene was in it.
From Los Angeles Times
Buckley later turned down an offer to be the understudy to Prenger's Nancy, instead going on to pursue her own role on the London stage.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
