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 Since Ford’s injury, Felton has been getting some of the second-string reps, and has led the Browns in rushing yards during the preseason. —

Irie Harris, cleveland, 22 Aug. 2023 The Ravens are already using two second-string cornerbacks as starters after losing Marlon Humphrey for about a month because of foot surgery. —

Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2023 Heading into his fourth season, Huntley is competing for the second-string quarterback role behind former MVP Lamar Jackson. —

Austin Curtright, The Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Aug. 2023 Trevor Siemian is the Bengals' second-string quarterback. —

Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 28 July 2023 Born in Nome in 1919, Balto was considered by his owner, Leonhard Seppala, to be a second-string sled dog. —

Mark Johnson and Dino Grandoni, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Apr. 2023 However, second-string quarterback Jacurri Brown, who made his debut as a true freshman last year, struggled during the spring game. —

Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2023 The team still won a California Interscholastic Federation championship with its center as a second-string quarterback, partially due to Buchner offering his perspective from the coach’s press box above the stands. —

Nick Alvarez | Nalvarez@al.com, al, 26 Jan. 2023 Uiagalelei, the Clemson transfer who is battling junior Ben Gulbranson for the starting quarterback job, was workmanlike competing against the Beavers’ first and second-string defense. —

Ndaschel, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'second-string.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.