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
Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
Californians’ accents are complex and understudied The stereotypical sounding Californian is widely known, but actual research into our state’s accents is relatively new, Mendoza-Denton said.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Prior to their debuts, understudies Tessa Albertson (Darcie) and Olivia Puckett (Lizzy) will go on.
—Jen Juneau, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
The research is vital in filling in the missing data for the Australasian tropics, an area understudied compared to the Americas, Africa and Southeast Asia.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
Californians’ accents are complex and understudied The stereotypical sounding Californian is widely known, but actual research into our state’s accents is relatively new, Mendoza-Denton said.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
McDaniel, last February, called Bobby Slowik one of his two main understudies in the league that have reached the offensive coordinator ranks, with Mike LaFleur, formerly holding that title with the New York Jets, being the other.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Prior to their debuts, understudies Tessa Albertson (Darcie) and Olivia Puckett (Lizzy) will go on.
—Jen Juneau, People.com, 17 Apr. 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 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share