stand-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈstand-ˌin 

1

: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied

2

: substitute

stand in

2 of 2

verb

stood in; standing in; stands in

intransitive verb

: to act as a stand-in

Phrases

stand in with

: to be in a specially favored position with

Synonyms

Noun

• backup
• cover
• designated hitter
• fill-in
• locum tenens
• pinch hitter
• relief
• replacement
• reserve
• sub
• substitute

Verb

• cover
• fill in
• pinch-hit
• step in
• sub
• substitute
• take over

Examples of stand-in in a Sentence

Noun

hired him at the last minute as a stand-in for the person who quit

Verb

she will be standing in for the regular teacher for a week

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Buttigieg was praised for his debating skills during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary process, and was a stand-in for former Vice President Mike Pence's in Harris' debate prep. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 23 Sep. 2024

Barca has the option of signing a stand-in for its skipper. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Verb

His spartan lifestyle, which stood in direct contrast to the public’s imagination of Nazis hiding out in South America, also played a factor in his ability to remain a ghost for so long. —Josh Weiss, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

New this year, the rescue squad will have physical stands in a few cities to help people out in person. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stand-in

1 of 2 noun

ˈstan-ˌdin

1

: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied

2

: substitute entry 1

stand in

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)stan-ˈdin

: to act as a stand-in