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

Birmingham won the title, runners-up Crystal Palace took the second automatic promotion spot, and Charlton were left to contend the inaugural WSL promotion-relegation play-off. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The reality star, who works as a commercial airline pilot, went on to briefly date his Bachelor runner-up Madison Prewett before the two went their separate ways. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

The 31-year-old Mas has finished the Vuelta as runner-up on three occasions, in 2018, 2021 and 2022. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

The Broncos were spurred on that day by the heroics of Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, who ended the game with 192 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026

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