I. ˈstan(d)-ˌbī noun
( plural stand·bys -ˌbīz)
Date: 1796
1.
a. : one to be relied on especially in emergencies
b. : a favorite or reliable choice or resource
2. : one that is held in reserve ready for use : substitute
•
- on standby
II. adjective
Date: 1872
1. : held near at hand and ready for use
a standby power plant
standby equipment
2. : relating to the act or condition of standing by
standby duty
a standby period
3. : of, relating to, or traveling by an airline service in which the passenger must wait for an available unreserved seat
standby passengers
a standby ticket
III. adverb
Date: 1971
: on a standby basis
fly standby