standbyduty
nounUK /ˈstændbaɪ ˌdjuːti/
US /ˈstændbaɪ ˌduːti/
A time when you must be ready to work or help if someone needs you.
The doctor was on standby duty all night in case of an emergency.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A period of waiting to take over a job or role if needed.
The pilot sat standby duty while the other crew rested.
3. A scheduled time when a worker must stay available but is not actively working.
Standby duty counts toward her weekly hours even when nothing happens.
4. A military assignment where soldiers must remain ready to move at short notice.
The unit was placed on standby duty during the storm.