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

With the help of his father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison (the world’s second-richest person behind Elon Musk), the Silicon Valley scion wants to take on Netflix, Amazon and Apple; in the hypercompetitive Ellison family, there’s no prize for being runner-up. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

The single advances after five weeks in the runner-up spot and likewise captures the crown on the Hot R&B Songs list. —Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025

The Yankees, following an exit in the American League Division Series at the hands of the runner-up Toronto Blue Jays, have work to do this winter to improve their roster. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

Nominee Vince Puente was runner-up to Burgess with 544 votes. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for runner-up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

runner-up

noun

run·​ner-up

ˈrən-ə-ˌrəp

plural runners-up

: the competitor in a contest who finishes next to the winner