Standby
WordNet
adjective
(1) Ready for emergency use
"A standby generator"
"A standby crew"
noun
(2) Something that can be relied on when needed
(3) An actor able to replace a regular performer when required
WiktionaryText
Noun
- State of readiness without being immediately involved.
- The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
- Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
- Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.
- That recipe is an old standby, and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.
Verb
- Wait briefly:
- Standby while I check that for you.