standby

About 1.06 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).

   The troops were on standby in case of an attack.

2. noun A replacement kept on standby.
3. noun Sleep mode.
4. noun Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
5. noun 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.

6. verb To wait briefly, as for additional communication by radio or telephone; alternative form of stand by.

   Standby while I check that for you.

Similar words

secondary understudy wait waiting sufferance suspense residual suspension relief stand-by

Often followed by

power mode for database letter letters and in of

Word family

standbys