standby
standby Lexical Profile
standby Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A state of readiness for immediate action or use when needed, especially in phrase "on standby".
"Emergency rescue crews remained on standby throughout the night as the river levels rose."
A person or thing that can always be relied on as a dependable resource or substitute in time of need.
"Homemade vegetable soup is an old standby whenever we need a quick and comforting dinner."
A power-saving operational mode in which an electronic device is temporarily inactive but ready for immediate resumption.
"Leaving your television on standby rather than turning it off completely still consumes a small amount of electricity."
• adjective
Kept in reserve and ready for immediate deployment or emergency use.
"The hospital relies on a standby generator to maintain power during severe winter storms."
Relating to a system of travel or ticketing in which passengers wait for unreserved or unclaimed seats just before departure.
"We purchased standby tickets for the early morning train in hopes of arriving before noon."
• adverb
By waiting at the terminal for an available seat without a prior reservation.
"College students often fly standby during the holidays to get cheaper airfare."
Word Nuance & Usage
The single-word form "standby" functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb (e.g., "a standby flight" or "waiting on standby"), whereas the two-word form "stand by" is exclusively a phrasal verb meaning to wait in readiness or remain loyal (e.g., "please stand by").
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 18th century as a compound of the phrasal verb "stand by," originally used in nautical contexts for a vessel or crew kept ready to assist another.