SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

second banana

noun

Definition of second banana

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

See second banana defined for English-language learners

1953

First Known Use of second banana

1953

SECOND BANANA Defined for English Language Learners

second banana

noun

Definition of second banana for English Language Learners

: a someone who is not as important or powerful as another person

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