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Added 9 October 2026

standby

/ˈstændˌbaɪ̯/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about standby at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Something that can be relied on when needed.
An actor able to replace a regular performer when required.

adjective

Ready for emergency use.
a standby generator

Origin

Deverbal from stand by.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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