un·der·study
ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē 
ˌən-dər-ˈstə-
understudied; understudying; understudies
: to study another actor's part in order to substitute in an emergency
: to prepare (a part or character) as understudy
also
: to prepare as understudy to (an actor)
un·der·study
ˈən-dər-ˌstə-dē
: 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
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The defense can reload by retaining the talented youngsters who understudied this year.
—Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
One of Turner’s current understudies, Zack Steffen of MLS side Colorado Rapids, played in the 2021 Nations League finals win against Mexico and in qualifiers for the following year’s World Cup while spending most of his two complete seasons at Manchester City of the Premier League on the bench.
—Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
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Verb
That’s because, surprise, surprise, ACL injuries in female athletes have been understudied compared to those in male athletes.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The defense can reload by retaining the talented youngsters who understudied this year.
—Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
Opening night in Orlando saw a pair of understudies in key roles: Paloma D’Auria as Regina and Gino Bloomberg as Aaron — Regina’s ex and the object of Cady’s affection.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
One of Turner’s current understudies, Zack Steffen of MLS side Colorado Rapids, played in the 2021 Nations League finals win against Mexico and in qualifiers for the following year’s World Cup while spending most of his two complete seasons at Manchester City of the Premier League on the bench.
—Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
Cite this Entry
“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
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