Meaning of Standby | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).
   countable, uncountable
2. A replacement kept on standby.
   countable, uncountable
3. Sleep mode.
   countable, uncountable
4. Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
   countable, uncountable
5. Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.
   countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“The troops were on standby in case of an attack.”

“In 1915, concurrent with the L.S.W.R. electrification, power was supplied from the Waterloo sub-station, and the old equipment held in reserve. Some generator sets were removed, and motor generators installed for standby lighting and other services.”

“During three weeks of the run, I was performing with walking pneumonia, but I had no choice other than to perform because we didn't have the budget for stand-bys.”

“That recipe is an old standby, and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.”

“The restaurant, Hop Louie, was a Chinatown standby for decades before closing in 2016.”

“Emerging from an Everyman Espresso shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn, last month, David Lieber, a customer, lamented what he saw as Blank Street’s targeting of a neighborhood standby.”

CEFR level