Standby

Pronunciation

The noun is stressed on stand; the verb has stress on each part.

Alternative forms

stand-by

Origin

From stand + by.

Full definition of standby

Noun

standby

(plural standbys)

State of readiness without being immediately involved.''The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
(travel) 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

(proscribed neologism, operations) Wait briefly: Alternative spelling of stand byStandby while I check that for you.