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 first runner-up pumpkin, from Brian Werner, also cleared the one-ton mark with a gourd clocking in at 2,017 lbs.
—
Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Larson is placed second in the standings after securing the runner-up spot in the race, followed by Christopher Bell in third, and Briscoe in fourth.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Smith spent 12 seasons at Gateway, including 11 as the head coach, leading the Gators to a cumulative record of 101-30 and multiple state runner-up finishes.
—Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Sneaker and jockey Umberto Rispoli teamed up for the first time in a year and a half to upset Grand Slam Smile and William Antongeorgi in the $100,000 California Distaff Handicap at Santa Anita on Sunday, finishing fastest to get past the ever-tough runner-up by a head.
—Kevin Modesti, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
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.
Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Larson is placed second in the standings after securing the runner-up spot in the race, followed by Christopher Bell in third, and Briscoe in fourth.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Smith spent 12 seasons at Gateway, including 11 as the head coach, leading the Gators to a cumulative record of 101-30 and multiple state runner-up finishes.
—Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Sneaker and jockey Umberto Rispoli teamed up for the first time in a year and a half to upset Grand Slam Smile and William Antongeorgi in the $100,000 California Distaff Handicap at Santa Anita on Sunday, finishing fastest to get past the ever-tough runner-up by a head.
—Kevin Modesti, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
Cite this Entry
“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share