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
Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024
Since May 2023, she’s been starring as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the national touring company of Wicked, having previously understudied the role a few years prior.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for understudy 
Verb
Schumer continued by saying that women’s bodies are historically understudied and urged her fans to read All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen to learn more.
—Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024
Since May 2023, she’s been starring as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the national touring company of Wicked, having previously understudied the role a few years prior.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for understudy
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understudy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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