Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
understudy
noun
/ˈʌndərˌstʌdi/
Definition
A person who learns another’s role in order to be able to act as a substitute if necessary.
Examples
- She was an understudy for the lead role in the musical.
- The understudy has to be ready at a moment’s notice.
- Even though he was the understudy, he knew every line of the script.
Meaning
An understudy is typically an actor who prepares to take over a specific role in a play or performance in the absence of the primary actor.
Synonyms
- Substitute
- Stand-in
- Alternate
