second-in-command

noun

: someone who is ranked second in a group or organization
the police chief's second-in-command

Examples of second-in-command 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.
The backstory Russia’s Novolazarevskaya Station is named for Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev, who was second-in-command of Fabian von Bellingshausen’s expedition of 1803–06, and captain of the supply ship Mirny. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026 Raúl’s quiet might Across his tenure as Cuba’s second-in-command and through his time at its helm, Raúl Castro ushered in numerous reforms, both economic and social. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 20 May 2026 The Chicago Police Department’s chief of patrol, effectively the second-in-command of the nation’s second-largest police department, will retire June 1, according to a department statement. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026 Maduro's second-in-command, Delcy Rodriguez, is the current acting president. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for second-in-command

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-in-command.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-in-command. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster