standby

(standbī′)

noun pl. standbys

  1. a person or thing that can always be depended on, is always effective, etc.
  2. a person or thing ready to serve or be put into service on an emergency basis or as a substitute
  3. a person waiting to board an airplane, etc. if space becomes available, as through a cancellation

adjective

of, for, or functioning as a standby

See standby in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. stand·bys
  1. One that can always be relied on, as in an emergency.
  2. A favorite or frequent choice.
  3. One kept in readiness to serve as a substitute.
adjective
  1. Kept in reserve for use when needed: a standby generator.
  2. Of, relating to, or waiting for unreserved travel space that is made available by an airline only shortly before departure: standby passengers.
adverb
On a standby basis: flew standby to New York.

Learn more about standby

link/cite print suggestion box