# understudy

/ˈəndɝˌstədi/ (US) · /ˌʌndəstˈʌdi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/understudy
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a person who learns to do a job or a role so they can take over if the main person is sick or busy. In a theater, this is the person who practices the lead role to be ready for a show.

For teachers: a person who is trained to perform the duties of another, typically in a professional or theatrical context. Often used to describe a performer who is prepared to replace the lead actor in a production.

## Examples

- She is the understudy for the lead role in the play.
- When the lead singer fell ill, the understudy stepped in and performed the entire set without missing a note.
- While the lead actor received the majority of the press attention, the understudy spent every evening rehearsing the entire script to ensure a seamless transition should an emergency arise.

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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.