second-string

adjective

sec·​ond-string ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ 

ˌse-kᵊŋ-

: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)

Examples of second-string in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The veteran comic likens the creative control he’s been granted to a second-string quarterback being entrusted to lead the team. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 Sep. 2026

However, that performance came against the Buccaneers’ second-string defense after their starters did not play. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Mendoza was sacked once and took several other hits playing against Houston’s second-string defense. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Sure, training camp always inflates the reputations of a receiver who can win a 50-50 ball against second-string cornerbacks. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for second-string

• anything
• colouring
• everything
• nuzzling
• snorkeling
• splattering
• superstring
• underwing
• worshiping
• bing
• bring
• ching

Kids Definition

second-string

adjective

: being a substitute player as distinguished from a regular

Etymology

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks