openingunderstudy
nounUK /ˈəʊpənɪŋ ˈʌndəstʌdi/
US /ˈoʊpənɪŋ ˈʌndərstʌdi/
A person who learns a part in a play so they can act it if the main actor cannot.
The openingunderstudy practiced every day in case the star got sick.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A second actor ready to take over a role at the start of a show.
The openingunderstudy was nervous before the first night.
3. Someone who learns a job by watching and helping another worker.
She was the openingunderstudy for the head chef.
4. A person who takes another's place in an emergency.
He acted as an openingunderstudy when the speaker was late.