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
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.
That victory sets up a challenging matchup against 2024 Class 6A state runner-up Geneva. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 Plainville will face Northwest Catholic, last year’s Class S runner-up, on Saturday as the Lions will try to knock the Blue Devils out of the unbeaten ranks. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026 After blanking Lyon, 2021 runner-up Chelsea takes on Italian club Roma on Wednesday. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 Polls had suggested a much closer race, and this is the first time in Brazil’s modern history that the first-round runner-up has gone on to win the presidential runoff. — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for runner-up

See All Rhymes for runner-up

Browse Nearby Words

runner stick
runner-up
runnet
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Cite this Entry

“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
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