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
The United States, meanwhile, has to settle for runner-up for a second consecutive tournament after losing to Japan in 2023.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
Motzko, who turns 65 next week, led Minnesota to a pair of Frozen Fours, including a national runner-up finish, and hung four Big Ten title banners during his tenure at the U, widely considered one of college hockey’s blueblood programs.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP in 2020 and was the runner-up last season.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Wimberley The Texans (19-2-1), who were state runner-up a year ago, will be one of the favorites in Class 4A Division II.
—Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
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Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
Motzko, who turns 65 next week, led Minnesota to a pair of Frozen Fours, including a national runner-up finish, and hung four Big Ten title banners during his tenure at the U, widely considered one of college hockey’s blueblood programs.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP in 2020 and was the runner-up last season.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Wimberley The Texans (19-2-1), who were state runner-up a year ago, will be one of the favorites in Class 4A Division II.
—Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
Cite this Entry
“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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