Standby Definition

stăndbī
stand by, standbys
noun
standbys
A person or thing that can always be depended on, is always effective, etc.
Webster's New World
A person or thing ready to serve or be put into service on an emergency basis or as a substitute.
Webster's New World
A mode of operation for a computer, television, or other electronic device in which the power is on and the device is ready for immediate use.
American Heritage
A person waiting to board an airplane, etc. if space becomes available, as through a cancellation.
Webster's New World
State of readiness without being immediately involved.
The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
adjective
Kept in reserve for use when needed.
A standby generator.
American Heritage
Of, for, or functioning as a standby.
Webster's New World
Of, relating to, or waiting for unreserved travel space that is made available by an airline only shortly before departure.
Standby passengers.
American Heritage
adverb
On a standby basis.
Flew standby to New York.
American Heritage
verb
(proscribed neologism, operations) Wait briefly: alternative spelling of stand by.
Standby while I check that for you.
Wiktionary
idiom
on standby
  • Ready and available.
  • As a standby passenger.
American Heritage
on standby
  • ready or waiting as a standby
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Standby

Noun

Singular:
standby
Plural:
standbys

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Standby

  • on standby
  • on standby

Origin of Standby

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