also stand-by
(~s)
1.
A ~ is something or someone that is always ready to be used if they are needed.
He sat through the trial as a ~ juror.
N-COUNT: oft N n
2.
If someone or something is on ~, they are ready to be used if they are needed.
Security forces have been put on ~ in case of violence.
PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v
3.
A ~ ticket for something such as the theatre or a plane journey is a cheap ticket that you buy just before the performance starts or the plane takes off, if there are still some seats left.
Access International books ~ flights from New York to Europe.
ADJ: ADJ n
•
Standby is also an adverb.
Magda was going to fly ~.
ADV: ADV after v