# standby

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈstændˌbaɪ/ · frequency rank #16,796

## Definitions
1. A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).
2. A replacement kept on standby.
3. Sleep mode.
4. Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
5. Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.

## Etymology
Deverbal from stand by.

## Easily confused with
- **stands** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/standby-vs-stands)
- **Stanley** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/standby-vs-stanley)
- **stand** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/stand-vs-standby)
- **sandy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/sandy-vs-standby)

## Common misspellings (12)
`satndby`, `sstandby`, `stadnby`, `stanbdy`, `standbby`, `standbyy`, `standdby`, `standyb`, `stanndby`, `stnadby`, `sttandby`, `tsandby`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/standby