runner-up
noun
run·ner-up
ˈrə-nər-ˌəp 
ˌrə-nər-ˈəp
plural runners-up
ˈrə-nərz-ˌəp
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
The song advances from the runner-up slot to No. 1, and this smash is especially notable.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for runner-up 
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.
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for runner-up
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 2 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share