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.
Javon Baker goes deep On a late snap pitting the Patriots’ second-string offense and defense, Javon Baker took off straight down the middle of the field. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 Dart consistently has worked with the second-string offense during training camp. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 Aug. 2025 He’s played as the second-string weak-side linebacker all camp behind Dee Winters as the 49ers try filling Dre Greenlaw’s void. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2025 Rookie Jaxson Dart got the second-string offense over midfield and out of bounds to stop the clock at two seconds on a completion to Dylan Cambre. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2025 The interior of the second-string offensive line has seen a bigger rotation, partly due to bumps and bruises among the group. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 31 July 2025 Drew Lock and the second-string unit found the end zone as well, thanks to a run by George Holani through the left side of the line. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 30 July 2025 This would mean that Sanders and Dillon Gabriel would be vying to land the second-string position. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025 Another issue: Falling in the midst of summer fixture congestion, some clubs may treat Leagues Cup as glorified friendlies to rest their regulars with second-string rosters sprinkled liberally with players from their youth academy. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 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 19 Aug. 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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