second-string

adjective

sec·​ond-string ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ How to pronounce second-string (audio)
ˌse-kᵊŋ-
: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)

Examples of second-string 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.
Javier Otero is back as the club’s second-string goalkeeper as well. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026 Their entire knockout route would be set depending on this, so to put out a second-string team came as a surprise. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 26 June 2026 But manager Ståle Solbakken played a second-string side for that match and made 10 changes to the team that beat Senegal 3-2. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Pickett, 27, spent 2025 as second-string quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for second-string

Word History

Etymology

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-string was in 1922

Rhymes for second-string

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Browse Nearby Words

second-strike
second-string
second table
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-string. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

second-string

adjective
: being a substitute player as distinguished from a regular
Etymology

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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