Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun One that can always be relied on, as in an emergency.
  • noun One kept in readiness to serve as a substitute.
  • noun A mode of operation for a computer, television, or other electronic device in which the power is on and the device is ready for immediate use.
  • adjective Kept in reserve for use when needed.
  • adjective Of, relating to, or waiting for unreserved travel space that is made available by an airline only shortly before departure.
  • adverb On a standby basis.
  • idiom (on standby) Ready and available.
  • idiom (on standby) As a standby passenger.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun State of readiness without being immediately involved.
  • noun travel Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
  • noun Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.
  • verb operations Wait briefly: alternative spelling of stand by.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From stand + by.

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