second-string
adjective
sec·ond-string
ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ 
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
Heck, even Emory Williams had a 10 yard carry in the fourth quarter during the one drive when UM put its second-string offense in to wrap up the game.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
Wilson was anointed the team's starter entering the season, but Dart earned the second-string role after a strong preseason performance.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Albin gave second-string quarterback Grayson Loftis the 49ers’ final two drives.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
But the meat was always second-string.
—Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, Jameis Winston and the rookie Jaxson Dart have been battling for the second-string spot throughout the preseason.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
The setback is a tough blow for Reichert, who appeared to be in line for early-season opportunities as Missouri’s second-string right guard.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2025
Gabriel was drafted two rounds earlier than Sanders and naturally had the leg up in the competition for the second-string spot.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Miami also returned redshirt sophomore Emory Williams, who figures to be the second-string quarterback.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
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Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
Wilson was anointed the team's starter entering the season, but Dart earned the second-string role after a strong preseason performance.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Albin gave second-string quarterback Grayson Loftis the 49ers’ final two drives.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
But the meat was always second-string.
—Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, Jameis Winston and the rookie Jaxson Dart have been battling for the second-string spot throughout the preseason.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
The setback is a tough blow for Reichert, who appeared to be in line for early-season opportunities as Missouri’s second-string right guard.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2025
Gabriel was drafted two rounds earlier than Sanders and naturally had the leg up in the competition for the second-string spot.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Miami also returned redshirt sophomore Emory Williams, who figures to be the second-string quarterback.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Second-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-string. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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