standby

Plural: standbys

Noun

• One that can be relied upon; a person or thing ready for use.
• something that can be relied on when needed
• an actor able to replace a regular performer when required
• A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).
• A replacement kept on standby.
• Sleep mode.
• Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
• Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.

Adjective Satellite

• ready for emergency use
  • "a standby generator"
  • "a standby crew"

Verb

• To wait briefly, as for additional communication by radio or telephone; alternative form of stand by.

Examples

• Standby while I check that for you.
• That recipe is an old standby, and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.
• The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
• When out of high-scoring words, ’QI’ is often a reliable standby.

Synonyms

understudy, at the ready

Anagrams of standby