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

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

After all, the team needs a third quarterback to get them through the rest of training camp and through its next three preseason games without asking too much of second-string quarterback Kenny Pickett or starter Bryce Young. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2026

The undrafted rookie, who runs as hard as any of the backs, saw more action in team drills, taking hand-offs with the second-string and third-string units. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

And Dart completed 6-of-9 on his next two series, still against the second-string defense, including one completion each down the field to JuJu Smith-Schuster and Odell Beckham Jr. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 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