second banana
noun
: a comedian who plays a supporting role to a top banana
broadly
: a person in a subservient position
Examples of second banana in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If Kate felt like the second banana in her career previously, at least that was based on her official role as Hal’s second at their various postings.
—
Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Nick Jonas is currently in negotiations to play Paul Stanley, Kiss' lead singer (but second banana to bassist Gene Simmons, whose casting remains a mystery, as spokesman for the group).
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Gordon has frequently run off attempts from Thunder second banana Jalen Williams, who’s struggled mightily in shooting 24% from the floor the last three games.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
And finally, Watkins (Florida State’s leading scorer last season) is a matchup problem, a big wing/forward who could be an ace second banana for a great team.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025
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Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Nick Jonas is currently in negotiations to play Paul Stanley, Kiss' lead singer (but second banana to bassist Gene Simmons, whose casting remains a mystery, as spokesman for the group).
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Gordon has frequently run off attempts from Thunder second banana Jalen Williams, who’s struggled mightily in shooting 24% from the floor the last three games.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
And finally, Watkins (Florida State’s leading scorer last season) is a matchup problem, a big wing/forward who could be an ace second banana for a great team.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for second banana
Cite this Entry
“Second banana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20banana. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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