second fiddle

noun

Synonyms of second fiddlenext
: one that plays a supporting or subservient role

Examples of second fiddle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That’s not to say nothing happens — Cyd (an excellent Jessie Pinnick) romances a nonbinary barista and bonds with her writer aunt — but the events take second fiddle to the 16-year-old’s exhilaratingly ordinary journey of self-discovery. Rachel Simon, Vulture, 19 June 2026 That remains the case after playing second fiddle, for the most part, to Kadioglu at left-back. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 15 June 2026 Brunson, a second-round draft pick, had fine years in Dallas but played second fiddle, at best, to Luka Doncic. Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026 In a country considered a wine capital, France’s cocktail culture has long played second fiddle. Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for second fiddle

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second fiddle was in 1809

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Cite this Entry

“Second fiddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20fiddle. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

second fiddle

noun
: a person who fills a secondary role

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