understudy

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​study ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē How to pronounce understudy (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈstə-
understudied; understudying; understudies

intransitive verb

: to study another actor's part in order to substitute in an emergency

transitive verb

: to prepare (a part or character) as understudy
also : to prepare as understudy to (an actor)

understudy

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​study ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē How to pronounce understudy (audio)
: one who is prepared to act another's part or take over another's duties

Examples of understudy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Schumer continued by saying that women’s bodies are historically understudied and urged her fans to read All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen to learn more. Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024 Since May 2023, she’s been starring as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the national touring company of Wicked, having previously understudied the role a few years prior. Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023 Adding to all the backstage drama is Clea (Rebecca Liddiard), the props manager who’s angling to find a way for her girlfriend, Rachel (Vinessa Antoine), who’s understudying role of Salome, to get her shot in the spotlight. Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2023 Then, as rehearsals continue, there’s a palpable spark between Jeanine and Luke (Douglas Smith), an old friend who is understudying the role of John the Baptist. Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2023 The premise was seemingly simple — how blackness operates in modern and contemporary art — yet the question of how Blackness is and has been represented was understudied until the exhibition. Kate Guadagnino, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2023 Law enforcement lobbied against the proposal, arguing that the drugs were understudied and could lead to a surge in crime. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023 The actor/singer also took on three lead parts in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in 2014, understudying for the roles of Gerry Goffin, Don Kirshner and Barry Mann. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 18 Aug. 2023 Perhaps social media influencer Kimber (Ashley Park) or understudy Jonathan (Jason Veasey), boyfriend to Oliver’s assistant, Howard (Michael Cyril Creighton)? Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Aug. 2023
Noun
Within 10 years, after studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Hopkins was serving as an understudy for Sir Laurence Olivier at London’s Royal National Theatre. Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 21 Jan. 2024 Peluso first gained attention in the theater world as an understudy covering the Balladeer in the 2004 revival of Assassins, Louis and Nicolas in Elton John's Lestat, and three leading male roles in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Ew Staff, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2023 As Baltimore’s understudy, Likely has one simple goal: be trustworthy. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2024 Lastly, never underestimate the unsung talent that is the understudy. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023 Isabel Keating, the understudy for the role, will continue to play the role for performances through Feb. 11. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Feb. 2024 Neither the White House nor Austin’s understudy, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, was informed of his whereabouts or the threat to his health until Thursday — a matter of particular concern given that Hicks herself was vacationing in Puerto Rico at the time. The Editors, National Review, 8 Jan. 2024 Queen’s understudy and potential replacement, Trenton Simpson, showed off his playmaking verve with a sack and a pair of tackles for loss. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2024 As if on cue, a cast of previous understudies stole center stage. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understudy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1874, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understudy was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near understudy

Cite this Entry

“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

understudy

verb
un·​der·​study
ˈən-dər-ˌstəd-ē,
ˌən-dər-ˈstəd-ē
: to study another actor's part in order to be his or her substitute in an emergency
understudy noun

More from Merriam-Webster on understudy

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