second fiddle

noun

: one that plays a supporting or subservient role

Examples of second fiddle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 Will anyone ever use Lady Gaga correctly — or is she destined to forever play second fiddle to screen partners who are gunning for Oscars? Samantha Allen, Them, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for second fiddle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'second fiddle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

second fiddle

noun
: a person who fills a secondary role

More from Merriam-Webster on second fiddle

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