second-line

adjective

sec·​ond-line ˈse-kᵊn(d)-ˈlīn How to pronounce second-line (audio)
: not being the usual or preferred choice
second-line drugs to treat tuberculosis
compare first-line

Examples of second-line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Since Hertl went out of the Sharks’ lineup in late January with a knee issue, Eklund has taken on a more prominent role as the team’s second-line center. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 The Flames played the final 44 minutes down a forward after second-line winger Martin Pospisil leveled Boston captain Brad Marchand during a scrum in front of Calgary’s net with four minutes left in the opening period. Doug Alden, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2024 Now in payroll-paring mode, the team has sliced Juan Soto, Gary Sanchez, Blake Snell, Josh Hader, and Michael Wacha, among others, while adding catcher Kyle Higashioka and several second-line pitchers from the Yankees. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 With Hertl out, William Eklund took over as the team’s second-line center against the Kraken. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2024 The Man, Interpol, Royal Blood, Waxahatchee, Dinosaur Jr., Miike Snow, Del Water Gap, Holly Humberstone, Chicano Batman, Yves Tumor, Metric, the Revivalists, and Matt and Kim. Arcade Fire have also notably received second-line billing for the festival’s opening night. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 Nov. 2023 The concert feels like a second-line parade, a kind of post-pandemic celebration for thousands of R.&B.-loving shut-ins. Danielle Amir Jackson Malike Sidibe, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2023 It was originally designed for the management of type two diabetes and is given to these patients as a second-line medication for when diet and exercise aren’t enough to control their blood glucose level. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Sep. 2023 By modulating your serotonin and cannabinoid receptors, CBD demonstrates its potential as a second-line treatment for multiple conditions. The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'second-line.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-line was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near second-line

Cite this Entry

“Second-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-line. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

second-line

adjective
sec·​ond-line ˌsek-ᵊn(d)-ˌlīn How to pronounce second-line (audio)
: being or using a drug that is not the usual or preferred choice compare first-line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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