at the ready

phrase

Synonyms of at the readynext
: ready for immediate use
kept guns at the ready

Examples of at the ready in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The queen, who prefers a shorter heel, is known for keeping a handful of clothing and shoe designers at the ready for her royal duties. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The reality star had an outfit change at the ready for her exit, opting for look 22 from the same collection—a fuchsia replica of her first dress. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 That’s particularly surprising because the Android tablet app story has always been messy, but Apple had the whole ecosystem of iPad apps waiting at the ready. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 The business had around 40 custom agents at the ready, but none of them were being deployed. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at the ready

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at the ready was in 1837

Rhymes for at the ready

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Browse Nearby Words

at the pump
at the ready
at the risk of
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Cite this Entry

“At the ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20ready. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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