stand-in

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of stand-innext
1
: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied
2

stand in

2 of 2

verb

stood in; standing in; stands in

intransitive verb

: to act as a stand-in
see also:

Examples of stand-in in a Sentence

Noun hired him at the last minute as a stand-in for the person who quit Verb she will be standing in for the regular teacher for a week
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Together, the mix of real and stand-in homes helped construct the outsized world he was known for. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2026 The shark is a pleasing stand-in for a big bossy grownup, easily fooled. Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
Such screens would have stood in a palace hall, behind the main seat in a room, or in a courtyard as a backdrop for a ceremonial event. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 For decades, older adults have stood in long lines to buy food or medicine. Sarah Moreno updated April 29, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stand-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stand-in was in 1904

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stand-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand-in. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

stand-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈstan-ˌdin
1
: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied
2

stand in

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)stan-ˈdin
: to act as a stand-in
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