# standby

/ˈstændˈbaɪ/ (US) · /stˈændbaɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/standby
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. readiness

noun · CEFR B2

a state of being ready to act or help immediately if something happens.

For teachers: a state of readiness or availability for immediate action or use, often in response to an emergency.

- The emergency crew was on standby throughout the heavy storm.
- Medical teams remained on standby at the stadium, prepared to intervene should any spectators suffer from heat exhaustion during the match.

Usage: often used with the preposition 'on'

### 2. electronics

noun · CEFR B2

a mode where a device is not fully on but can start quickly.

For teachers: a low-power mode in which an electronic device is kept ready for immediate operation.

- Don't leave your computer on standby all night if you want to save energy.
- Modern televisions consume a negligible amount of electricity when left on standby, though environmental groups still recommend a full power-down.

### 3. travel

noun · CEFR B2

waiting at an airport for a seat to become available on a full flight.

For teachers: a status for travellers who wait for unallocated seats on a flight that is officially fully booked.

- We didn't have tickets, so we had to wait on standby for the next plane to London.
- The airline staff managed to clear the standby list after several passengers failed to check in for the transatlantic flight.

### 5. ready for use

adjective · CEFR B2

describing something that is kept ready to be used if the main one fails.

For teachers: kept in reserve for use in an emergency or as a substitute.

- The hotel has a standby generator in case the electricity goes out.
- The airline maintains a pool of standby pilots at major hubs to ensure that crew illness does not result in flight cancellations.

Usage: usually sits before the noun

## Examples

- I always keep some canned soup as a standby for quick meals.
- The airline told the passengers they were on standby for the next available flight to London.
- While the primary generator is undergoing its annual maintenance, the hospital relies on a secondary standby system to ensure that life-support machines remain operational during any potential power surges.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.