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
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.
Unfortunately, similar to the (albeit heartwarming) tale between a restaurant garbage boy and Remy the rat, O’Connor — much like Linguini — was stuck playing second fiddle tonight on SNL, puppeted to and fro from sketch to sketch that sidelined his comedic talents. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2025 Down ⬇ Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value Panahi’s rise has sapped momentum from Neon’s other big foreign-language contender, which is now playing second fiddle to its stablemate. Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025 Overall, though, Harvey continued to round into a complete three-down back Sunday after playing second fiddle to Dobbins for much of the year. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 2 Dec. 2025 The Ed Gein Story and All’s Fair were met with critical hostility — the first is a thematically repetitive and exploitative condemnation of true crime and the audience who loves it, the second a bizarrely overqualified ensemble of acting titans playing second fiddle to Kim Kardashian. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025 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 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

second fiddle

noun
: a person who fills a secondary role

More from Merriam-Webster on second fiddle

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