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
That mystery twist was allowing the previous season’s runner-up, Paul Abrahamian, to enter the house, although Kevin did not know that would be the result.
—
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 July 2024
Even the runner-up prize check ($750,000) would be appreciated.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 15 July 2024
As seen in a video shared by ESPN, Djokovic stopped for a moment to drop his head while walking towards Princess Kate to accept the runner-up trophy.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024
Haley, the runner-up to Trump in this year's Republican primaries, was originally not planning to speak to the convention, or even to attend it.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for runner-up 
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 July 2024
Even the runner-up prize check ($750,000) would be appreciated.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 15 July 2024
As seen in a video shared by ESPN, Djokovic stopped for a moment to drop his head while walking towards Princess Kate to accept the runner-up trophy.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024
Haley, the runner-up to Trump in this year's Republican primaries, was originally not planning to speak to the convention, or even to attend it.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for runner-up
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'runner-up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near runner-up
Cite this Entry
“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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