also-ran
noun
\
Definition of also-ran
1 : a horse or dog that finishes out of the money in a race
2 : a contestant that does not win
3 : one that is of little importance especially competitively was just an also-ran in the scramble for … privileges —C. A. Buss
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about also-ran
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
'Derby', 'Hack', 'Bidet', and 8 More...
'Derby', 'Hack', 'Bidet', and 8 More Horsey Words
No horseplay. These are serious word histories.
Statistics for also-ran
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for also-ran
The first known use of also-ran was in 1895
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for also-ran
also-ran
noun
English Language Learners Definition of also-ran
: a person who has taken part in an election or contest and did not win
See the full definition for also-ran in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on also-ran
What made you want to look up also-ran? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Musical Words Quiz
-
- Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share also-ran
Resources for also-ran