2
: performed in, performing in, or requiring a standing position
a stand-up bar
especially
: of, relating to, performing, or being a monologue of jokes, gags, or satirical comments delivered usually while standing alone on a stage or in front of a camera
stand-up comedy
a stand-up comedian
3
: marked by a high degree of personal integrity or loyalty
a stand-up guy
1
: stand-up comedy
also
: a performer of such comedy
2
: a television broadcast in which the reporter or narrator faces the camera with the scene of the story in the background
stood up; standing up; stands up
1
: to rise to a standing position
2
: to remain sound and intact under stress, attack, or close scrutiny
: to fail to keep an appointment with
Examples of stand-up in a Sentence
Adjective
a real stand-up guy, he's willing to raise the child—by himself if necessary
a puppy with stand-up ears
Verb
a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis
Recent Examples on the Web
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025
The duo also discusses Morgan’s learning curve in adapting to TV production, and challenges in authentically translating a stand-up’s voice to the small screen.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 July 2025
Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2023
Kemp’s infectious smile and, by all accounts, stand-up status as a teammate put him on the list.
—James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023
Harvey Epstein, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2025
The honorees stood up dutifully from their seats to receive the crowd’s applause.
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand-up
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Adjective
The Bob Hearts Abishola series ran for five seasons until 2024, mostly under Yashere’s leadership as Lorre gave the veteran stand-up performer creative rein to bring the laughs.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025
The duo also discusses Morgan’s learning curve in adapting to TV production, and challenges in authentically translating a stand-up’s voice to the small screen.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 July 2025
Noun
In this post-season glow, performing stand-up across the country, the two cast members were about to conjure two of their most popular characters on the show.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2023
Kemp’s infectious smile and, by all accounts, stand-up status as a teammate put him on the list.
—James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023
Verb
Harvey, as a tenant member of the Rent Guidelines Board, successfully fought for the first and second rent freezes in the board’s history, was a critical leader in numerous legislative efforts to expand tenants rights and standing up to powerful real estate interests.
—Harvey Epstein, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2025
The honorees stood up dutifully from their seats to receive the crowd’s applause.
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stand-up
Cite this Entry
“Stand-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand-up. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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