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 track reenters the Official Singles Sales chart in the runner-up position. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

The winning teams in men's, women's and mixed doubles will split $1 million, with the runner-up team to earn $500,000. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Payouts for the runner-up and semifinal losers have also declined relative to the overall purse in the past decade. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

In 2023, CharlotteFive readers voted Que Onda runner-up for best tacos in the city (sister concept Que Fresa Taqueria & Bar took the top spot). — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 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