standby

A setting in which a device uses little power while waiting to be used.

• The television is in standby.
• My computer went into standby after ten minutes.
• Does this device use much power on standby?

Similar words: sleep mode

Common phrases: standby mode, in standby, switch to standby

A state of being ready to act when needed.

• The rescue team is on standby.
• We kept a doctor on standby during the race.
• Extra crews were placed on standby overnight.

How to use it: on standby for something (The team is on standby for emergencies.)

Similar words: readiness

Common phrases: on standby, put on standby, keep on standby

Something reliable that you often use or choose.

• Tomato soup is an old standby in our house.
• This recipe became my standby for busy evenings.
• Her favorite standby is a simple black dress.

Similar words: old favorite

Common phrases: an old standby, a reliable standby, my favorite standby

A person or thing kept ready to replace another if needed.

• We have a standby for the main generator.
• She served as a standby when the regular pilot was ill.
• Keep this pump as a standby.

Similar words: backup, replacement

Common phrases: a standby generator, as a standby, keep a standby