second-string

adjective

sec·​ond-string ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ How to pronounce second-string (audio)
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
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.
After the Browns traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this week, fans and pundits speculated whether Sanders would even be elevated to the second-string job, or remain in the third-string role behind Bailey Zappe. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 In a corresponding roster change just hours after the trade was finalized, the Bengals released backup quarterback Brett Rypien, likely signaling that Browning will move back to the second-string role for the foreseeable future. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 And San Francisco would not have pulled it off if not for the play of a quarterback who entered the season second-string. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025 Notre Dame needed just two plays from there, with second-string tailback Jadarian Price taking a swing pass in the right flats through the middle of Arkansas’ defense for a 35-yard touchdown with nine seconds remaining before intermission. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2025 Heck, even Emory Williams had a 10 yard carry in the fourth quarter during the one drive when UM put its second-string offense in to wrap up the game. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025 Albin gave second-string quarterback Grayson Loftis the 49ers’ final two drives. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025 But the meat was always second-string. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025 The setback is a tough blow for Reichert, who appeared to be in line for early-season opportunities as Missouri’s second-string right guard. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2025

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-string was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-string. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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