second fiddle

noun

: one that plays a supporting or subservient role

Examples of second fiddle 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.
Perhaps the thinnest of all SNL skit-to-movie translations — and that really is saying a lot — Ferrell bobs his head a lot and mostly plays second fiddle to Chris Kattan, something that would never, ever happen again. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 Even Big Tech earnings and the jobs numbers coming out this week, typically market-moving reports, are likely to play second fiddle to policy developments. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 The Vantage has played parts ranging from second fiddle to 911 rival to even, for a moment, being one of the most powerful sports cars on the planet. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025 Sasaki will always be the second fiddle Japanese player in L.A.. Why not the Padres? Tony Blengino, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 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 21 Feb. 2025.

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!