standby

1. A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation). (countable, uncountable) · The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
2. A replacement kept on standby. (countable, uncountable)
3. Sleep mode. (countable, uncountable)
4. Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out. (countable, uncountable)
5. Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used. (countable, uncountable) · That recipe is an old standby, and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.

Plural standbys