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
Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
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
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
Whenever Alvarez returns, Senger is virtually certain to be returned to the minor leagues, with Torrens resuming his former role as understudy for the slugging starter.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understudy
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Verb
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
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
Noun
His understudy — once booed as his replacement — stole the spotlight.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
Whenever Alvarez returns, Senger is virtually certain to be returned to the minor leagues, with Torrens resuming his former role as understudy for the slugging starter.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 5 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 16 Apr. 2025.
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