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

Another standout aspect of the anniversary season will be its cast, which will consist of previous players, including season 37 runner-up and White Lotus creator Mike White. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025

Griffin went on to survive Q-School and racked up three runner-up finishes on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022. —Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Leslie was the runner-up of The Golden Bachelor Season 1 with Gerry Turner, while Gary was a contestant on The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 with Joan Vassos. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 5 Aug. 2025

Boise State football may have lost the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up from its roster, but college football coaches are still bullish about the Broncos’ ability in 2025. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 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