View synonyms for

understudy

[ uhn-der-stuhd-ee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

understudied, understudying.

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.

verb (used without object)

understudied, understudying.

to act or work as an understudy.

noun

plural understudies.

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

understudy

/ ˈʌ�Ի�əˌ��ʌ��ɪ /

verb

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)

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of understudy¹

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That leaves many species — the “drab” ones, as the study puts it, and the ones with smaller ranges — understudied, if studied at all.

From

The fall from star billing to understudy has prompted social media whispers of a fall-out with Parkinson.

From

She was cast as an understudy in the musical “Next to Normal,” eventually joining the principal cast when the show transferred to Broadway two years later.

From

Eating disorders are themselves understudied within the mental health field, where conditions like anorexia have incorrectly been stereotyped as only affecting teenage girls.

From

“If it works out that I’m an understudy, I’m all for it,” Joyce said Thursday.

From

Related Words

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