To save this word, you'll need to log in.
sec·ond-string | \ ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ 
, ˌse-kᵊŋ- \
, ˌse-kᵊŋ- \Definition of second-string
: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for second-string
second-string
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of second-string
chiefly US, sports : not used as one of the regular players on a team
See the full definition for second-string in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on second-string
What made you want to look up second-string? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Intact Latin Quiz
- What did focus mean in Latin?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Intact Latin Quiz
What did each of these words mean to ancient Romans?
Take the quiz - The Eponym Quiz
Do you know these words that come from names?
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Dictionary Devil
The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?
Play the game
Share second-string
Time Traveler for second-string
The first known use of second-string was in 1922
See more words from the same year