runner-up

noun

run·​ner-up ˈrə-nər-ˌəp How to pronounce runner-up (audio)
ˌrə-nər-ˈəp
plural runners-up ˈrə-nərz-ˌəp How to pronounce runner-up (audio)
ˌrə-nərz-ˈəp
also runner-ups
: the competitor that does not win first place in a contest
especially : one that finishes in second place

Examples of runner-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The decision fell to the House of Representatives, where a string of backroom machinations made John Quincy Adams president and distant runner-up Henry Clay the Secretary of State. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 The new cut debuts in the runner-up rung on both the Official Singles Sales and Official Singles Downloads charts. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Chappelle is currently tied with George Carlin and Richard Pryor as runner-up in the category. Paul Grein, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024 The Big Brother mothership, meanwhile, just wrapped its 26th season on Oct. 13, with Chelsie Baham winning unanimously over runner-up Makensy Manbeck. Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for runner-up 

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of runner-up was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near runner-up

Cite this Entry

“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

runner-up

noun
run·​ner-up
ˈrən-ə-ˌrəp
plural runners-up
: the competitor in a contest who finishes next to the winner

More from Merriam-Webster on runner-up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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