second banana

noun

: a comedian who plays a supporting role to a top banana
broadly : a person in a subservient position

Examples of second banana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gordon has frequently run off attempts from Thunder second banana Jalen Williams, who’s struggled mightily in shooting 24% from the floor the last three games. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 May 2025 And finally, Watkins (Florida State’s leading scorer last season) is a matchup problem, a big wing/forward who could be an ace second banana for a great team. Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Dan and Louise end the series still married, though Louise's struggles with feeling like the second banana to Roseanne bother her throughout the final two episodes. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Towns might be better off as a second banana than a No. 1 option anyway. Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for second banana

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second banana was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Second banana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20banana. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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