also stand-by
(standbys)
1.
A standby is something or someone that is always ready to be used if they are needed.
He sat through the trial as a standby juror.
N-COUNT: oft N n
2.
If someone or something is on standby, they are ready to be used if they are needed.
Security forces have been put on standby in case of violence.
PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v
3.
A standby 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 standby flights from New York to Europe.
ADJ: ADJ n
•
Standby is also an adverb.
Magda was going to fly standby.
ADV: ADV after v