second fiddle

noun

: one that plays a supporting or subservient role

Examples of second fiddle 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.
Jimmy is in a prominent supporting role all over this episode, playing second fiddle to Gaby, Alice, and Liz. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 All of this is ignoring the Dodgers' Mookie Betts and Yankees' Juan Soto, who play second fiddle on their respective teams, but are also likely among the top 10 players in baseball. Mark Osborne, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2024 No longer playing second fiddle in a shared arena, the Clippers are set to open their inaugural season at their $2-billion home in Inglewood, the Intuit Dome, the newest addition to the city’s lineup of sporting venues. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 As the moon confronts Saturn, your need for freedom may play second fiddle to responsibilities. USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for second fiddle 

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second fiddle was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near second fiddle

Cite this Entry

“Second fiddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20fiddle. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

second fiddle

noun
: a person who fills a secondary role

More from Merriam-Webster on second fiddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!