stand-in

[stand-in]

noun

1. a substitute for a motion-picture star during the preparation of lighting, cameras, etc., or in dangerous scenes.

2. any substitute.

stand in

verb

1. to act as a substitute

2. to be of benefit or advantage to someone

noun

1. 1. a person or thing that serves as a substitute

   2. ( as modifier )

      a stand-in teacher

2. a person who substitutes for an actor during intervals of waiting or in dangerous stunts

Word History and Origins

Origin of stand in¹

First recorded in 1930–35; noun use of verb phrase stand in

Example Sentences

The Truth Teller is a stand-in for hundreds of regional publications swallowed by companies like Enervate.

From Salon

It was the stand-in for a Midwestern town in Tom Hanks’ “That Thing You Do” and for a southern burg in “Big Mama’s House,” among many others.

From Los Angeles Times

“I was also thinking a lot about having these blocks of ice as almost a stand-in for people.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is fair to say that stand-in skipper Ollie Pope has a headache.

From BBC

One moment, she’s an empathetic audience stand-in, the next she’s Kathy Bates in “Misery.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alternate