understudy

[ uhn-der-stuhd-ee ]
/ ˈʌn dərˌstʌd i /

verb (used with object), un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
to act as understudy to (an actor or actress): to understudy the lead.

verb (used without object), un·der·stud·ied, un·der·stud·y·ing.

to act or work as an understudy.

noun, plural un·der·stud·ies.

a performer who learns the role of another in order to serve as a replacement if necessary.

Origin of understudy

First recorded in 1870–75; under- + study

Example sentences from the Web for understudy

British Dictionary definitions for understudy

understudy
/ (ˈʌndəˌstʌdɪ) /

verb -studies, -studying or -studied

(tr) to study (a role or part) so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
to act as understudy to (an actor or actress)

noun plural -studies

an actor or actress who studies a part so as to be able to replace the usual actor or actress if necessary
anyone who is trained to take the place of another in case of need