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.
That’s a problem, because the 49ers will need to use the second-string defensive line frequently this upcoming season. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2024 Rookie Bo Nix was the second-string quarterback, while Zach Wilson had third-team reps. Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 8 Aug. 2024 No sooner asked than done: A miracle appears, in the form of the Green Knight, and the ramshackle band of second-string knights sets off to find a Holy Lance. Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 16 July 2024 Winters mostly played on the second-string defense in offseason workouts while Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, De’Vondre Campbell and Curtis Robinson were the first-string unit. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 5 June 2024 However, Jets general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh continued to back Zach Wilson despite the fact that he was being demoted from starter to second-string. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2024 Rob Beal lined up with Gross-Matos as the second-string defensive ends, followed by Alex Barrett and Raymond Johnson III on the third unit. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024 Those running with the first- and second-string on Day 1 aren’t necessarily first- and second-stringers. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 But Darnold looked pretty good handing the ball off and ripping a few third-down passes against the second-string of a mediocre, young defense. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near second-string

Cite this Entry

“Second-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-string. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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

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