stand·by/`stændˏbaɪ; ˈstændbaɪ/ n 1 [C] something that is ready to be used if needed 备用品: a standby generator 备用发电机 2 on standby a) ready to be used if needed 随时待命: The police have been kept on standby in case of trouble. 警察随时待命，以防出乱子。 b) if you are on standby for a plane ticket, you will be allowed to travel if there are any seats that are not being used 〔飞机乘客〕等待剩余机票，候补