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

Kraft has received a few notable endorsements, most recently former city councilor Annissa Essaibi George, who was the runner-up to Wu in the 2021 race. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 10 Sep. 2025

Only the group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, while the four best runners-up will advance to a playoff for a chance to compete in the intercontinental qualifiers. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

In 2021, Whaite made history on Strictly Come Dancing as part of the show’s first all-male dance partnership with Johannes Radebe, finishing as the runners-up. —Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Donegan beat over 52 women representing all 50 states, including first runner-up, Miss Texas Sadie Schiermeyer, and second runner-up, Miss Florida Paris Richardson. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 8 Sep. 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